LITTLE Mix could be about to call it quits as the three remaining band members are reportedly about to launch solo projects after their tour ends.
The desire of Jade Thirlwall, 28, Perrie Edwards, 28, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 30, to set up individual projects could spell the end for the girl band.
A source told the Sun: “They’ve been pretty open with each other about it. There are a lot of meetings happening at the moment. Some of them have already done management deals. Leigh-Anne has signed up with Dua Lipa’s manager, Jade is cutting her teeth as a songwriter and presenter, while Perrie is working on other things too.
“They still get on great, despite everything that has happened with Jesy. But her departure put the cat among the pigeons. They all know there will have to be a career beyond Little Mix, so they’ve put things in place. The plan is to see out commitments, then turn to solo projects almost immediately.”
The source said the band does not plan to formally split but it is unlikely they will find time to release music as a group if they are busy with their own projects.
The news comes despite the chaotic start to their former bandmate Jesy Nelson’s solo career amid allegations of blackfishing.
The Boyz singer is now planning to make an appearance on the Graham Norton show in the coming weeks to perform the song and respond to the controversy surrounding the video and her row with Leigh-Ann Pinnock.
Read our Jesy Nelson live blog for the latest updates…
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Jesy’s changing look over the years
Jesy’s latest look is a far cry from her fresh-faced first appearance on The X Factor in 2011 – but it’s not the first time she’s undergone a dramatic transformation.
Over the years she’s worn an array of wigs ranging from vibrant pink to a blonde, short bob.
Read more here to look at some of her wildest stand-out looks.
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All natural, baby (Continued…)
Defending her image, during her talk with Nicki Minaj, Jesy told livestream viewers: “My intention was never to offend people of colour with this video and my song.
“I just want to touch on the whole tanning thing as well, when I was in the video with you [Nicki], I didn’t have fake tan on. I’d been in Antigua prior to that for three weeks.
“I’m really lucky as a white girl I tan so much. Leigh-Anne even said to me in the group: ‘Are you sure you’re not mixed race because you go darker than me in the sun!’
“My hair is naturally curly, I got it from my dad – I wanted to get a wig that emulated the same texture as my hair and I genuinely didn’t think I was doing anything wrong.”
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All natural, baby
Jesy Nelson has admitted that former Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock DID warn her against “Blackfishing” last year – as she insisted that her dark tan and curly hair are both natural.
Addressing the backlash, Jesy claimed that she’d not been criticised for her image before going solo, but we revealed earlier today that Leigh-Anne herself had warned Jesy against the look when she was still in the girl group last summer.
Referencing Leigh-Anne and bandmate Jade Thirlwall, Jesy said: “I was in a group with two women of colour for 10 years and it was never brought up to me until the last music video I did with them when Leigh-Anne messaged me…”
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‘Walking away from a toxic relationship‘
POP star Anne-Marie has said her song with Little Mix is about “walking away from a toxic relationship” – amid the bands row with Jesy Nelson.
The 30-year-old singer teamed up with Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards on the track Kiss My (Uh Oh), which was released over the summer.
In a Q & A with her fans on Instagram last night, Anne-Marie opened up about the track, saying: “This song is a girl power anthem.
“It’s all about walking away from someone who weren’t treating you well, not giving you what you deserve, not giving you the time and just treating you as a booty call…
“Which sometimes can be fun but if you want more and they are not moving to the next stage for you, you got to walk away. Goodbye.”
Her comments comes just days after she unfollowed Jesy Nelson after she went live on Instagram with Nicki Minaj and laughed at Leigh Anne Pinnock being called a “clown”.
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A personal attack
Jesy Nelson is said to be “devastated” by the backlash to hers and Nicki Minaj’s Instagram livestream – and believes it is a “personal attack against her”.
She shocked viewers of her social media livestream by calling Leigh-Anne “a jealous clown” after an influencer claimed to leak messages from the star asking him to expose Jesy’s “blackfishing”.
While Jesy did not comment on Leigh-Anne personally, she was seen laughing at Nicki’s remarks – sparking huge online debate.
Sources have said that she is saddened by the public reaction to the entire thing, explaining: “What should have been a positive and happy celebration has been somewhat tainted by what has started to feel like a personal attack against her.
“It’s starting to become a Little Mix vs Jesy storyline, when ultimately the band and Jesy have always stood for women supporting women and so it’s a shame to see this taking such a sour turn.”
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What is the blackfishing row about?
Jesy’s look for her music video for Boyz sparked claims she was blackfishing – a term used when a white person uses black culture and aesthetics for their own gain – when it was released last week.
Leigh-Anne is believed to have accused Jesy of “blackfishing” — when a white person uses black culture to further their career or online presence.
In messages thought to have been sent from Leigh-Anne’s account to influencer No Hun and shared to his 341,000 followers via a live stream, the star wrote: “She blocked us. Cut us off. Horrible person.”
After No Hun asked his fans if he should make up a dance routine to Boyz, Leigh-Anne replied: “No. Do a video about her being a blackfish instead.”
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Jesy Nelson is CELEBRATING black culture’
This is a comment piece written by Mercy Muroki.
As a black woman who does indeed wear my Afro hair in its natural dreadlocks style, I suppose I’m expected to be offended by Jesy’s so-called appropriation. But as I have observed this saga, waiting diligently for someone somewhere to produce anything that is legitimately worthy of my offence, I have only been able to conclude two things.
Firstly, that the song is a pretty good, albeit cliched and vacuous, millennial tribute to the P Diddy original.
Secondly, that those who have taken grave offence to Jesy’s embrace of hip-hop culture probably need to get out more.
I’ve more important things to be concerned about as a black person — and so should they.
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Boyz bombshell
JESY Nelson will face her first TV grilling as a solo artist later this month on The Graham Norton Show.
The former Little Mix star will join a host of celebs on the sofa before taking to the stage to perform her debut single Boyz.
An insider said: “Jesy has already started rehearsing for the performance – she’s really giving it her all.
“Jesy is obviously aware of all the drama circulating around Boyz.
“It would be a lie to say it’s not tainted the release but she’s still so proud with how far she has come.
“Graham is a safe pair of hands so she feels comfortable going on the show. After the past week it’s time to bring it back to the music.”
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Jesy’s changing look over the years
Jesy’s latest look is a far cry from her fresh-faced first appearance on The X Factor in 2011 – but it’s not the first time she’s undergone a dramatic transformation.
Over the years she’s worn an array of wigs ranging from vibrant pink to a blonde, short bob.
Read more here to look at some of her wildest stand-out looks.
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The six signs Little Mix’s feud was always going to happen (Continued…)
NO CONTACT – When Jesy was asked if she was still in touch with Leigh-Anne, Perrie and Jade, she replied: “No, not as much. Not now. I think we all need time. It’s a big thing that’s happened.”
IGNORED PREGNANCIES – Eagle-eyed fans twigged that Leigh-Anne’s happy news was met with silence from former bandmate Jesy.
‘BLACKFISHING’ WARNING – The Sun exclusively revealed that Jesy was warned by Leigh-Anne not to make her skin look darker as it was offensive to black people.
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The six signs Little Mix’s feud was always going to happen
FROSTY REUNION – In July 2020, Little Mix were seen leaving rehearsal studios looking extremely frosty with each other.
The girls had only just reunited after months apart due to the UK’s first and strictest lockdown, yet they didn’t seem too chuffed to be in each other’s company again.
THE SEARCH TURNS SOUR – In an interview, Jade admitted she had stormed off several times during filming.
JESY QUITS – In December last year, Jesy rained on every Little Mixer’s Christmas by quitting the band after almost 10 years together.
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Feud continues in another in unearthed clip
Little Mix fans are reeling over an unearthed video of Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson snapping at one another.
The former friends and bandmembers have hit the headlines this week after viral TikTok star NoHun leaked private messages from Leigh-Anne, 30, where she allegedly called Jesy a ‘horrible person’.
Now, Little Mix fans are scrambling to find signs that the pair ‘never liked one another’ amid the feud.
And one eagle-eyed Twitter user has sent the rumour mill into overdrive by posting an awkward unearthed clip from Little mix’s talent show, The Search.
The clip sees Jesy and Leigh-Anne – alongside Perrie Edwards – snarl at one another as they disagree after a hopeful band’s performance.
“Jesy was defensive because Leigh-Anne was being patronising. I imagine that would wear you down after almost ten years,” one suggested.
“Jesy and Leigh-Anne always hated each other,” someone else claimed.
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Fans accuse Minaj of bullying Leigh-Anne
LITTLE Mix fans have slammed Nicki Minaj after she took a series of swipes at Leigh-Anne Pinnock amid the Jesy Nelson blackfishing row.
The American rapper, 38, shocked her followers after she branded Jesy’s former bandmate a “clown” and claimed she was bullying Jesy because she was jealous of her solo success.
One person wrote: “Nicki minaj is really sitting here bullying Leigh Anne and sending her fans to join in and for what??? Things you don’t even know are true.. ur obsessed hun.”
A second added: “How you going to dedicate an entire day to bullying leigh knowing full well her experience of racism for the past decade AND THEN COME OUT WITH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS?????? make it make sense.”
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Frosty reunion before the cold war
There were early warning signs of feud in the band.
In July 2020, Little Mix were seen leaving rehearsal studios looking extremely frosty with each other.
The girls had only just reunited after months apart due to the UK’s first and strictest lockdown, yet they didn’t seem too chuffed to be in each other’s company again.
Jesy looked seriously stony-faced as she waited for a car to collect her, while Jade appeared more than happy to keep her social distance as she stared at her phone.
At one point, the two girls were photographed speaking but neither had smiles on their faces.
Perrie, meanwhile, left the studio a good 15 minutes before her bandmates.
Read more here.
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What did Little Mix members say about Jesy Nelson?
Little Mix fans were left stunned by a series of messages apparently sent by Leigh-Anne Pinnock slamming her former bandmate Jesy.
Influencer No Hun revealed the private DMs, apparently sent from Leigh-Anne, accusing Jesy of “blackfishing”.
In one message, believed to have been sent from Leigh-Anne’s Instagram account, Leigh-Anne says: “She [Jesy] blocked us. Cut us off. Horrible person.”
In another, she appears to write: “Do a video about her being a blackfish instead.”
Her Instagram account also liked a post by @everydayracism, which had posted a short guide to blackfishing after “a lot of talk” on the topic over the past few days.
Leigh-Anne’s Little Mix bandmates Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, both have also unfollowed Jesy on Instagram — as has the account belonging to Perrie’s dog Hatchi.
Representatives for the band have been approached for comment.
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Jesy Nelson is trying to ‘save herself like Prince Harry’, says expert
They have constantly described themselves as “sisters” and “best friends”, but the Little Mix rift appears to be widening.
The three remaining band members unfollowed Jesy Nelson on Instagram this week – after she launched solo single Boyz – and even Perrie Edwards’ dog has snubbed her on social media.
Body language expert Judi James says Jesy, 30, is taking a leaf out of Prince Harry’s book and distancing herself from her past life to “save” herself.
Meanwhile there are subtle signs that the remaining trio of Leigh-Anne, Perrie and Jade Thirlwall are “concerned and anxious” about the split.
“Part of the Little Mix appeal for the fans has always been the sense of unity and sisterhood between the four women who are apparently enjoying successful, enviable lifestyles,” she tells The Sun.
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Keeping it a secret
JESY Nelson surprised her Little Mix bandmates when she announced she was leaving the group on Instagram.
The Boyz singer shocked her Little Mix bandmates, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall when she told the world she was leaving the group before telling them personally.
Jesy told her followers on December 14, 2020 that she quit Little Mix.
Jesy agreed and quit Little Mix but allegedly announced it on Instagram, blindsiding the rest of the group.
“Jesy created this scenario. She left the band without telling the girls or management directly and they heard about it through her lawyers,” a sourced told Daily Mail.
Read more here.
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Nicki Minaj: It’s all love chile
While Jesy did not address the Leigh-Anne situation directly, she laughed as Nicki ranted and savaged her former bandmate, and later thanked her for defending her.
She branded Leigh-Anne a “clown” and claimed she was jealous of Jesy’s solo success.
After the stream had ended, Nicki wrote on Instagram: “Ayo Jesy!! We got all Leigh jelly btchs akkin all messy #Boyzoutnow.”
She added: “Yall know it’s all love chile.”
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What is the Little Mix & Nicki Minaj ‘blackfishing’ row about?
Jesy’s look for her music video for Boyz sparked claims she was blackfishing – a term used when a white person uses black culture and aesthetics for their own gain – when it was released last week.
Leigh-Anne is believed to have accused Jesy of “blackfishing” — when a white person uses black culture to further their career or online presence.
In messages thought to have been sent from Leigh-Anne’s account to influencer No Hun and shared to his 341,000 followers via a live stream, the star wrote: “She blocked us. Cut us off. Horrible person.”
After No Hun asked his fans if he should make up a dance routine to Boyz, Leigh-Anne replied: “No. Do a video about her being a blackfish instead.”
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Who is Little Mix leak source No Hun?
No Hun describes himself as a “huge Little Mix fan” and claims to have followed and supported the group for ten years.
He added that he’s supported all of the members’ individual projects, too.
The influencer has recently taken to his social media pages to promote and support Jesy Nelson, who left the band behind earlier this year, and her new single Boyz.
The influencer posted a clip of him dancing to the track and changed his Instagram bio to “stream Boyz”.
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All natural, baby (Continued…)
Defending her image, during her talk with Nicki Minaj, Jesy told livestream viewers: “My intention was never to offend people of colour with this video and my song.
“I just want to touch on the whole tanning thing as well, when I was in the video with you [Nicki], I didn’t have fake tan on. I’d been in Antigua prior to that for three weeks.
“I’m really lucky as a white girl I tan so much. Leigh-Anne even said to me in the group: ‘Are you sure you’re not mixed race because you go darker than me in the sun!’
“My hair is naturally curly, I got it from my dad – I wanted to get a wig that emulated the same texture as my hair and I genuinely didn’t think I was doing anything wrong.”
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All natural, baby
Jesy Nelson has admitted that former Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock DID warn her against “Blackfishing” last year – as she insisted that her dark tan and curly hair are both natural.
Addressing the backlash, Jesy claimed that she’d not been criticised for her image before going solo, but we revealed earlier today that Leigh-Anne herself had warned Jesy against the look when she was still in the girl group last summer.
Referencing Leigh-Anne and bandmate Jade Thirlwall, Jesy said: “I was in a group with two women of colour for 10 years and it was never brought up to me until the last music video I did with them when Leigh-Anne messaged me…”
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A personal attack
Jesy Nelson is said to be “devastated” by the backlash to hers and Nicki Minaj’s Instagram livestream – and believes it is a “personal attack against her”.
She shocked viewers of her social media livestream by calling Leigh-Anne “a jealous clown” after an influencer claimed to leak messages from the star asking him to expose Jesy’s “blackfishing”.
While Jesy did not comment on Leigh-Anne personally, she was seen laughing at Nicki’s remarks – sparking huge online debate.
sources have said that she is saddened by the public reaction to the entire thing, explaining: “What should have been a positive and happy celebration has been somewhat tainted by what has started to feel like a personal attack against her.
“It’s starting to become a Little Mix vs Jesy storyline, when ultimately the band and Jesy have always stood for women supporting women and so it’s a shame to see this taking such a sour turn.”
-
Jesy Nelson is trying to ‘save herself like Prince Harry’, says expert
They have constantly described themselves as “sisters” and “best friends”, but the Little Mix rift appears to be widening.
The three remaining band members unfollowed Jesy Nelson on Instagram this week – after she launched solo single Boyz – and even Perrie Edwards’ dog has snubbed her on social media.
Body language expert Judi James says Jesy, 30, is taking a leaf out of Prince Harry’s book and distancing herself from her past life to “save” herself.
Meanwhile there are subtle signs that the remaining trio of Leigh-Anne, Perrie and Jade Thirlwall are “concerned and anxious” about the split.
“Part of the Little Mix appeal for the fans has always been the sense of unity and sisterhood between the four women who are apparently enjoying successful, enviable lifestyles,” she tells The Sun.
-
Keeping it a secret
JESY Nelson surprised her Little Mix bandmates when she announced she was leaving the group on Instagram.
The Boyz singer shocked her Little Mix bandmates, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall when she told the world she was leaving the group before telling them personally.
Jesy told her followers on December 14, 2020 that she quit Little Mix.
Jesy agreed and quit Little Mix but allegedly announced it on Instagram, blindsiding the rest of the group.
“Jesy created this scenario. She left the band without telling the girls or management directly and they heard about it through her lawyers,” a sourced told Daily Mail.
