again i think it's intricately tied into the whole implosion of the Supremes. the weight was 1 issue among many. and us fans love to chat away on so many different topics in regard to the group.

i don't recall the other singers at Motown that had a falling out having quite the drama that the Flo situation did. Ruffin would be a close runner, Paul williams too.

Gladys Horton wasn't given a solo deal because 1) she wanted to leave to raise her special needs child and 2) no one cared about the marvelettes

Martha and Wanda both [[possibly) had some opportunities for solo work but 1) they would always be in the dark shadows of Diana and 2) they had some very serious drug issues and personal problems.

David and Dennis received solo deals but basically went nowhere. David lucked out with a few hits. Eddie was reasonably successful but he was long since cast as a "motown outside" given his outspokeness. he also didn't have the solo following that Stevie and marvin had. nor had he displayed or fought for the artistic freedom of writing and producing

and you're absolutely right. Motown was hideously chauvinistic. but not so sure that was especially unique to motown. women in all industries and across american society at the time were widely discredited. definitely watch Mrs America on Netflix! [[or was it Amazon Prime??) fascinating show