Former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock has made shocking claims about her treatment by a major record label, alleging she was effectively 'ghosted' before being unceremoniously dropped. The 34-year-old artist, who first signed with Warner Records as a solo act in 2022, parted ways with the label last year and is now forging an independent path.
The 'Brutal' Ghosting and Sudden Exit
Appearing on Paloma Faith's Mad Sad Bad podcast, Leigh-Anne lifted the lid on the turbulent period leading to her exit. She described a complete breakdown in communication, stating the label simply stopped responding to her and her team. The situation reached a peak when the head of the label allegedly called her only to hang up after two rings, leaving the singer without any formal explanation for her departure.
"I had a fallout with my label, and basically left them," Leigh-Anne explained. "It was crazy; they weren't responding to us, basically ghosting. It was wild… When you actually deep it, it's like, how could you do that to someone?" She characterised the entire experience as "quite brutal," emphasising that a simple phone call to clarify the situation would have been the least they could do.
Taking Full Control with Virgin Music Group
Now free from her major label deal, Leigh-Anne is in full creative and commercial control of her music. She has partnered with Virgin Music Group for distribution and is working independently towards the release of her highly anticipated debut solo album. The record, titled My Ego Told Me To, is scheduled for release in February 2026.
Reflecting on her early solo career, the singer is confident the issues lay with the label, not her own output. "When I look back on my early solo career, I was doing good. I don't feel like it was my issue. It was them," she stated. The move to independence appears to have reinvigorated her, with Leigh-Anne declaring in a recent social media video, "I'm ready to take the reins... I'm leading this s***."
Fans Rally Behind the Independent Artist
In a heartfelt caption accompanying a career montage posted last week, Leigh-Anne shared her empowering mindset with her 9.7 million followers. "Proof that when you trust and back yourself, doors open," she wrote, encouraging others to recognise their own power. She heralded 2026 as the year for her album, a headline tour, and "more success."
Her loyal fanbase has flooded social media with messages of support, eagerly anticipating her new chapter. Comments like "It's your year" and "2026 is going to be YOUR year" dominate her posts, with fans promising to stream and support her music intensely upon its release. Leigh-Anne Pinnock, who found fame winning The X Factor with Little Mix in 2011, is now squarely focused on a future she commands entirely herself.
The Daily Mail has contacted Warner Records for comment.
