Little Mix have revealed that they spoke to ex-bandmate Jesy Nelson over her issues with 'blackfishing'.
The solo star has been generating controversy of late due to her re-vamped image and potentially harmful lyrics. Jesy has been accused of 'blackfishing', which refers to when white people alter their appearance - for example their facial features, skin colour and hair - to resemble those of black or mixed-race people.
Jesy has previously declined to respond to accusations about the nature of her new image, but maintains that she 'never wanted to hurt anyone'.
In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, the band stated that they raised the topic with Jesy in a 'friendly, educational manner' before she left to pursue her solo career.
Advert
It was important for them to 'clarify' that they had, in fact, previously spoken to the star about her image. This has been widely speculated by fans since the 'Boyz' music video dropped on 8th October.
The girls said that they 'didn't want to talk about the video, or be critical' because the trio had 'so much to celebrate as a three'. Jesy herself confirmed on Friday that she is no longer on speaking terms with the girls.
Opinions are massively divided between fans of the band and the solo star. One Twitter user said, "[Little Mix] are literally using the situation to promote their next single. DISGUSTING [sic]".
Advert
A former fan of Jesy stated their confusion after hearing the blackfishing comments. "Can't believe I've found out Jesy Nelson is white and not actually black/mixed race", they said.
A Leigh-Anne Pinnock 'stan' account stated that "[Jesy] blocks fans and ignores the girls trying to educate her".
.png)
Many Jesy fans, nicknamed 'The Baddies' by the star, have been telling the band to 'get over' the harmful image she's created. Mixers hit back, stating that this is the first time the girls have spoken about the situation openly.
Advert
Jesy has yet to respond to the article.
Featured Image Credit: Polydor/RepublicTopics: Jesy Nelson, Little Mix, Celebrity, Music