Former Little Mix band member Jesy Nelson has spoken candidly about her experience while on X Factor and claimed the programme staff failed to support her.
The Shout Out To My Ex singer – who has been the subject of abuse for almost a decade – admitted that many artists are not prepared for what they are about to experience.
In a frank interview with The Guardian Weekend magazine, Jesy, 30, spoke openly about the ongoing abuse that she faced while on the popular primetime programme.
She said: “When I was struggling, I didn’t feel there was anyone I could talk to.
“We were like babies – Perrie was 17, I was 20. I’m hoping programmes like this are now taking more responsibility. It’s so important because nobody prepares you for what you’re about to go through.”
The Brit award winner also expressed that she felt head judge Gary Barlow hated her and described her audition as “terrible”.
Jesy added: “I said to my mum, ‘I’m not coming back on the X Factor, I’m not doing that again.’ Dermot O’Leary was like, ‘Why are you crying, you got through’.”
(Image: PA)
An X Factor spokesperson recently spoke about the level of care given to all contestants while on the show.
The spokesperson explained: “Duty of care is of the utmost importance to us. We have measures to ensure contestants are supported, including having a psychologist available at all times.”
Little Mix went on to win X Factor in 2011 under the mentorship of Tulisa Contostavlos.
(Image: jesynelson/Instagram)
They were also the first band to ever win the British version of the show.
Brunette bombshell Jesy announced she was leaving the band in December 2020, after struggling with her mental health.
The star told fans she had experienced a panic attack while the band were making their music video for their hit song Sweet Melody.
In her first interview with Cosmopolitan after leaving the band, Jesy went into further details regarding the reason behind her departure.
“I was bigger than the other three, and there’s never really been that in a girl group. I was classed as the obese, fat one,” she said.
“I can’t believe how miserable I was.”
Since leaving the group, fans and supporters have questioned the star on what her next project will be.
Recently the star has teased her new music which will hopefully be released relatively soon.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
