Rebecca Ferguson, who rose to fame on The X Factor, has said she was 'fleeced' financially and morally by music industry executives. The singer, who was runner-up in 2010, has spoken out about exploitation and bullying she says she suffered.
Ferguson gave evidence to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee in September, describing a 'rotten' culture. She claimed she was pressured into signing contracts, denied royalties and medical attention, and forced to work after a miscarriage.
The Liverpudlian singer also alleged a 'senior mogul' threatened her former manager and forced his way into her home. She has not named those responsible but says she has given names to police and the committee.
Ferguson's new album, 'Heaven Part II', is released on Tuesday. She says it is the album she should have made after her debut, before 'all these terrible things happened'. The album includes the track 'Found My Voice', which she says is about speaking out.
The singer has called for more safeguards for people on reality TV and in the music industry. She says she finally stopped caring about what people thought and decided to expose what happened.
