Bad blood? Jesy Nelson doesn’t appear to be on the best of terms with her former band, Little Mix — but the reason why might need a little explaining.
After winning The X-Factor UK in 2011, the original quartet — which included Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall — became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time thanks to hits like “Wings” and “Shout Out to My Ex.”
However, in December 2020, Nelson announced she was leaving the band to focus on her mental health. “I need to spend time with the people I love, doing things that make me happy,” the British musician explained via Instagram, telling fans that after nine years she was “ready to embark on a new chapter in my life.”
She added at the time, “I’m not sure what it’s going to look like right now, but I hope you’ll still be there to support me.”
Following her announcement, Edwards, Pinnock and Thirlwall publicly supported her decision, but also let fans know they would continue making music. “We are still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey and the 3 of us are not ready for it to be over,” they noted via Instagram.
In January 2021, Little Mix released their first photo without Nelson. Four months later, the remaining members dropped their first song as a trio — a remix of their 2020 song “Confetti” featuring rapper Saweetie.
Later that year, the band announced their first greatest hits album, Between Us, which “includes all our hits, as well as some brand new songs we can’t wait for you to hear,” the trio tweeted of the November 2021 release, adding, “This album is for each and every one of you who’s listened to our music, bought an album or sung your heart out at our shows. We wouldn’t be here releasing this album if it wasn’t for you.”
While Nelson’s former bandmates worked on new music and welcomed babies — Edwards and Pinnock both became first-time moms in 2021 — she was in the studio working on her solo debut.
Nelson returned to the scene in October 2021 with her first single, “Boyz,” featuring Nicki Minaj. After the release of the song’s video, she was accused of “blackfishing,” which refers to when a non-Black person uses photoshop, makeup or other means to make their skin or appearance look more Black.
Edward, Pinnock and Thirlwall got dragged into the controversy — along with Minaj.
Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about where Jesy Nelson stands with her ex-girl group:
Nelson announced via Instagram in December 2020 that she would be leaving the group after nine years. “The truth is recently being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health,” she explained at the time. The remaining members of Little Mix later told fans it was “an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy,” also revealing that they would be continuing on without her. News of Nelson’s departure came one month after the singer told fans she would be taking “an extended break” from Little Mix “for private medical reasons.” Shutterstock (2)
After releasing a video for her first solo single, “Boyz," in October 2021, the Brit was accused of “blackfishing.” In response to the criticism, Nelson told Vulture that month, “I love Black culture. I love Black music. That’s all I know; it’s what I grew up on,” claiming she's “very aware that I’m a white British woman; I’ve never said that I wasn’t.” The X-Factor UK alum had a message for the haters. “I want to be authentic and true to myself, and if people don’t like that, don’t be my fan,” she said. “Don’t be a part of my journey.” Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock
Shortly after the Vulture interview was published, Little Mix fans noticed that Edwards, Pinnock and Thirlwall had unfollowed Nelson. Edwards’ dog, Hatchi, had also unfollowed the About a Boy actress. The trio did not comment as to why they ditched their former bandmate on social media, but fans believed it was tied to Nelson’s response to the backlash about her music video. Shutterstock
The “Starships” rapper, who is featured on Nelson’s “Boyz,” spoke out in the singer’s defense while accusing the British singer’s former bandmates, who she did not address by name, of being jealous. "Stop. If you want a solo career, baby girl, just say that," Minaj said during an Instagram Live she cohosted with Nelson in October 2021. "You can go out and put [out] your own music. We're gonna support you and love you. That's it. You don't have to attack someone else.” Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
Days after Minaj slammed Pinnock and her bandmates for being jealous of Nelson’s solo success, the British singer appeared to address the "Monster" rapper’s comments at her 30th birthday party. “I’m 30 years old. I know my character, you know my character, anyone that meets me knows my f--king character,” she said in a video from the October 16 event, according to Page Six. “That’s all I care about.” Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
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