Omarion

R&B Singer Omarion has stepped up to defend accusations made against Chris Stokes by Demario "Raz B" Thorton and Ricardo Thorton (View story here). "I want to be on the record as saying that "Raz B" Thorton and Ricardo Thorton are lying regarding Chris Stokes. Chris is a father figure to myself, and many others in the industry. He's guided us, helped raised us and is nothing more than an inspiration and someone I respect to and look up to. I have spent countless hours, days, weeks and months with the man since the age of 5 and have never once seen him behave inappropriately. He's married to my aunt and I know this man very well. I stand behind him with no question whatsoever," said Omarion. "I have grown up around Chris and this is crazy to me. These people have damaged me, and my reputation and I won't stand silent and will do all within my means to speak the truth about this matter," said Omarion. Chris Stokes, CEO of The Ultimate Group issued the following statement: "The accusations that Demario 'Raz B' Thorton and Ricardo Thorton have made are vehemently false and hold no merit. I intend on utilizing the full extent of the law, both criminally and civilly to defend myself against this. I have recently stopped financially supporting both individuals along with assisting them with their criminal and legal matters which leads me to believe they are resentful and looking to benefit financially from this. My family is my first priority and the reason why I have been so supportive of them. In bringing these false claims, they have not only slandered me, they have also put me in a position to ensure that the truth is known and I will take all legal routes to protect myself, my family and my four children," said Chris Stokes, CEO of The Ultimate Group. "Allow me to further elaborate on certain comments I have seen reported: I understand from my attorneys that it's against the law in California to record someone on the phone without letting them know they are being taped as was the case in this situation. These individuals released video with doctored audio - I did not say what they accuse me of saying in the context in which it was taken - all statements which were attributed to me were doctored. I vehemently deny these charges and intend on taking very aggressive action to defend my honor. It's also quite ironic that these statements were made only 2 weeks after they were denied admittance by a venue for an event I hosted in Beverly Hills," added Stokes.