After joining TLC in 1991, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas caught the attention of Grammy award-winning record producer Dallas Austin. Their relationship nearly got Chilli kicked out of the group. Perri “Pebbles” Reid, TLC’s manager, strongly disapproved of the singer dating someone working so closely with the group. She even began auditioning for other vocalists to join the trio, though ultimately, she forgave Chilli, who stayed with Austin for several years. Still, their time together was filled with infidelity on Austin’s part, which was detailed in the VH1 TLC biopic, “CrazySexyCool.”
Chilli stayed with Austin in part due to an abortion she had early in their relationship. The experience left the entertainer devastated to the point where she was desperate to get pregnant again. After the couple’s son, Tron Austin, was born in 1997, Chilli stuck around for about four more years until she found love with fellow singer Usher. However, given that Austin was friends with the “Nice & Slow” performer, his blossoming connection with Chilli caused Austin a great deal of hardship both personally and professionally. This didn’t deter his child’s mother from falling head over heels for Usher, whom she felt was the love of her life.
