En Vogue’s Dawn Robinson Says She’s Been Living in Her Car for Three Years

Former En Vogue member Dawn Robinson has revealed that she has spent the past three years living in her car, describing the unconventional choice as both a challenge and a personal awakening.

The R&B singer opened up about her situation in a candid YouTube video posted on Tuesday (March 11), where she admitted, “You guys, for the past three years, I have been living in my car… I said it, oh my gosh, it’s out.”

Robinson explained that after living with her parents in Las Vegas in 2020, she moved to Los Angeles based on advice from her former manager, who initially offered her a place to stay. When the arrangement fell apart, the singer explained she found herself in a hotel for eight months while trying to secure an apartment.

She alleged that her manager interfered with her housing search, saying, “Sometimes people want to trap you and keep you in a situation where you’re vulnerable and depending on them.”

Frustrated by the roadblocks she encountered, she started exploring alternative lifestyles and found herself drawn to “car life.” Instead of continuing to struggle for an apartment, she made the decision to live out of her vehicle, eventually settling near Malibu.

“I felt free,” she said, adding, “It was like being on a never-ending camping trip. It just felt right.” She continued, “This isn’t a sob story. This is about me learning who I am, as a person, as a woman.”

She admitted there were difficult moments, particularly after the loss of her dog Max, who passed away in the car. “I really am on my own,” she said, adding that while she misses her family, this period of isolation has been something she needed to experience.

Still, she acknowledged that she would take a more stable living situation if the opportunity arose. “If I could have an apartment, I would,” she said. “But I wouldn’t trade what I’ve learned from this experience. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.”

Robinson ended the video with an unapologetic message to her viewers: “Be spontaneous. Do the scary. F— fear.”

One of the original members of En Vogue, Robinson played a key role in shaping the group’s sound. Formed in 1989 alongside Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and Maxine Jones.

Their debut album, Born to Sing, released in 1990 and peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard 200, produced several hit singles, including “Hold On,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their follow-up album, Funky Divas, solidified their dominance, with “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100 and “Free Your Mind” earning them another Top 10 hit. “Don’t Let Go,” their 1996 hit, also peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Robinson left the group in 1997 to sign with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label and later had brief reunions with En Vogue in 2005 and 2009. Outside of music, she made appearances in films and was featured in the first season of R&B Divas: Los Angeles.