In her first proper interview since leaving Little Mix, Jesy Nelson has spoken out about why she left the band. Jesy made the original announcement in December 2020 - following an extended break for private medical reasons - writing that being in the group had 'taken a toll' on her mental health. The group won X Factor nine years ago, and have since garnered hundreds of thousands of fans. Aside from music, Jesy has also been praised throughout her time in the spotlight for her honesty about her mental health, something she highlighted in her award-winning documentary Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out.
Why did Jesy leave Little Mix?
Speaking to Cosmopolitan, Jesy said that she reached her breaking point following constant comparisons to her bandmates. 'I was bigger than the other three, and there's never really been that in a girl group,' she said. 'I was classed as the obese, fat one.'
Jesy also described how she had a panic attack during the music video shoot for Sweet Melody, adding that she was missing from one of the scenes because she was sobbing in her dressing room. 'I looked at the other three and they were having the time of their life,' she continued. 'I get so jealous, because I want to feel like that and enjoy it, because music is my passion. To have this dream and not be enjoying it because of what I look like, I knew wasn't normal.'
Is Jesy Nelson releasing solo music?
Good news for Little Mix fans - yes, she is! We don't know much at this point, but she has been spotted in the studio. And she's also working on a second documentary, but we also don't know much more about that either.
What was Jesy's original statement when she left Little Mix?
Releasing an emotional statement thanking former bandmates Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy explained that being in Little Mix had 'taken a toll' on her mental health.
'The truth is recently being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health,' she wrote.
'I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard.
'There comes a time in life when we need to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focussing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is the time to begin that process.'
Jesy's former bandmates Jade, Leigh-Anne and Perrie also confirmed the news via the band's official Instagram account.
They said, 'After an amazing 9 years together Jesy has made the decision to leave Little Mix.'
They continued, 'This is an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy. We love her very much and agree that it is so important that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being. We are still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey and the 3 of us are not ready for it to be over.
'We know that Jesy leaving the group is going to be really upsetting news for our fans. We love you guys so much and are so grateful for your loyalty and continued support of all of us. We’re looking forward to seeing so many of you on tour.'
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