Hayley Williams, lead singer for Paramore, has shot down claims made by her former bandmates Josh and Zac Farro that the group is a pre-fabricated record company creation designed as a showcase for her talent.

Photos: Paramore's Tour Bus: Hunting Gear, Cocoa Puffs and Tiny Instruments

In a clip (below) from a forthcoming MTV News special titled Paramore: The Last Word, Williams acknowledges that rumors about the band's authenticity have been an issue since the group's early days, but that they have always operated as a true band.

Photos: Paramore/Jimmy Eat World Tour Opener

Williams told MTV that while she had been offered a record contract when she was 14, she was determined to be part of a band and has fought hard against outside pressure to become a solo artist.

Paramore, who recently hired temporary replacements for the recently departed Farro brothers, are set to begin a South American tour next month before beginning work on their fourth album.

Exclusive: Paramore Say They're 'Not A Manufactured Band' [MTV]

• 
  MUSIC 100 Greatest Debut Albums
• 
  MOVIES 'Great Gatsby' Is a Crushing Disappointment
• 
  TV Why You Should Watch 'Happy Endings'
• 
  POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix

Song Stories