Jesy Nelson has opened up about her strained relationship with former Little Mix bandmates Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall, revealing she has not spoken to them since leaving the group two years ago. The 31-year-old singer, who won The X Factor with the trio in 2011, announced her departure in a shock statement and has now confirmed the lack of communication.
In an interview with The Sun, Nelson said: "So no, we haven't talked since then. Never say never, but I honestly wish them the best on their solo journeys now, which is so exciting." She added that she is "rooting" for her former bandmates and has "no regrets" about leaving, though she will "always cherish the memories" made during her time in the pop group.
The feud escalated after Nelson released her debut solo single 'Boyz', which sparked accusations of blackfishing—a term for non-Black people presenting themselves as Black or mixed race. Nelson defended herself in a livestream, saying her intention was never to offend people of colour and that she was celebrating the '90s/2000s hip hop and R&B music she grew up loving.
Tensions further increased when leaked messages appeared to show Leigh-Anne accusing Nelson of blackfishing. In response, Leigh-Anne became emotional at a birthday party, stating: "I'm 30 years old. I know my character... and that's all I care about." Meanwhile, Jade Thirlwall criticised the behaviour in an interview, saying: "Capitalising on aspects of blackness without having to endure the daily realities of the Black experience is problematic."
In October 2021, Nelson confirmed on The Graham Norton Show that the group were no longer on talking terms, though she insisted there was "no bad blood" from her side. Later that year, the remaining three members announced they were taking a break from the band.
