What Happened to Little Mix and the Jesy Nelson Controversy?

marcen27 from Glasgow, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Little Mix, a modern icon in girl groups, has amazed millions of viewers globally with empowering anthems, outstanding harmonies, and unbroken sisterhood. Of course, though, they do not escape trials. The most momentous occasion was the exit of Jesy Nelson in 2020, which furthered the controversy and drama that occurred in her professional and public life. This paper explores what happened to Little Mix, from the lead up to Jesy Nelson's departure to the drama that ensued afterward.

Origins of Little Mix

Formed on the UK talent show The X Factor in 2011, Little Mix is one of those groups that rapidly gained popularity after their electrifying performances and undeniable chemistry. Formed by Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, this group became the first girl band to win the competition. The debut single, "Cannonball," was the starting point for them in their journey to become global pop sensations.

Through the years, Little Mix produced chart-topping hits such as "Shout Out to My Ex," "Black Magic," and "Woman Like Me." Their songs were about self-love, empowerment, and inclusiveness. However, fame came with its challenges, especially for Jesy Nelson.

Jesy Nelson, one of the members of Little Mix, has been under the media and public's spotlight since she joined the group. She was constantly targeted by online trolls regarding her appearance and weight. In 2019, Jesy opened up about her experiences in the BBC documentary Odd One Out, where she revealed the devastating impact of cyberbullying on her mental health.

Jesy is candid in her documentary, to the delight of fans, depicting the darker face of fame. Still, with great support from other band members and fans, there was pressure placed on her general well-being and health.

Jesy Left Little Mix

In December 2020, Jesy Nelson announced that she was leaving the group Little Mix to focus more on her mental health. With an emotional note on Instagram, she wrote:

The truth is, being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health. I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard.

Her departure marked the end of an era for Little Mix. Perrie, Jade, and Leigh-Anne continued as a trio, expressing their support for Jesy and their commitment to the group's future.

Jesy's Solo Career and the Scandal

Jesy Nelson started her solo career after leaving Little Mix. In October 2021, she released her debut single, "Boyz," featuring Nicki Minaj. The song, which sampled Diddy's "Bad Boy for Life," was meant to be a bold introduction to Jesy's new musical direction. However, it quickly became embroiled in controversy.

1. Accusations of Cultural Appropriation:

• Jesy was criticized for her appearance in the "Boyz" music video, with people saying she was "blackfishing," a term that refers to when someone appropriates cultural elements of Black people for aesthetic purposes.
• Jesy has defended herself in interviews, saying she never meant to offend anyone and that her appearance was inspired by her love of hip-hop culture.

2. Feud with Leigh-Anne Pinnock:

• During the time "Boyz" was released, leaked messages purportedly from Leigh-Anne Pinnock appeared, in which she allegedly attacked Jesy for blackfishing. These messages fueled rumors of a rift between Jesy and her former bandmates.
• Nicki Minaj, who collaborated with Jesy on "Boyz," publicly defended Jesy during an Instagram Live session and appeared to take aim at Leigh-Anne, further intensifying the drama.

Little Mix’s Perspective

Perrie, Jade, and Leigh-Anne have largely refrained from addressing the controversy in detail, choosing instead to focus on their music and performances. However, in interviews, they have emphasized the importance of accountability and learning from past mistakes.

In a 2022 interview, Jade Thirlwall stated:

"We’ve always been about celebrating diversity and standing up for what’s right. It’s important to have those conversations and grow from them."

Fans

The fight between Jesy and Little Mix split fans into two sides. Most were in agreement with Jesy that she deserved a solo career, but most were also disappointed by the controversy and the perceived tensions within the group. Fan debates on social media became heated, reflecting the emotional investment people had in the band.

Despite all this, Little Mix and Jesy still maintain their devoted fan bases. Little Mix has remained successful as a trio and recently released the album Between Us in 2021, marking ten years of the group's career. Jesy has hinted at new music and has expressed her desire to continue growing as a solo artist.

Moving Forward

The story of Little Mix and Jesy Nelson is a poignant reminder of the complexities of fame, friendship, and personal growth. While Jesy's departure and the controversy that followed were difficult moments for all involved, they also highlight the importance of mental health, accountability, and resilience.

For Little Mix, they are one of the greatest girl groups of all time. While Perrie, Jade, and Leigh-Anne have proven how versatile they can be while still inspiring others through their sound and message.

For Jesy, well, her work as a solo artist is ongoing. The storms surrounding "Boyz" will always be somewhat of a painful reminder, however, they certainly brought to attention the issues around cultural appropriation within the music business and the poor representation of people of colour.

Conclusion

The journey of Little Mix and Jesy Nelson testifies about the power of music, fame's challenges, and the strength of the human spirit. Therefore, as the audience, support your artists by ensuring they also act accordingly, encouraging mutual growth in this process of accountability.

Ultimately, the story of Little Mix and Jesy Nelson is not one of division but of evolution. Each member of the group has grown in their own way, and their collective impact on the music industry and their fans is undeniable. As they continue to forge their paths, one thing remains clear: their voices will echo for years to come.