Singer Jesy Nelson has defended herself after fans accuse her of Blackfishing just hours after the release of her debut single.
Blackfishing is a term used to describe a white person who is trying to appear to have black heritage.
The 30-year-old released her debut single Boyz and a music video featuring Nicki Minaj and a cameo from P Diddy.
The former Little Mix singer is seen in the new R&B song dress in a series of racy outfits while sporting a very dark tan.
Recently when interviewed by Vulture, Jesy claimed she had not been directly called that before she left Little Mix.
(Image: Polydor/Republic Universal)
She defended herself, commenting: “I’m very aware that I’m a white British woman; I’ve never said that I wasn’t.
“But I mean, like, I love Black culture. I love Black music. That’s all I know; it’s what I grew up on.”
The Essex-born star claimed a member of her team might have blocked some of her Instagram followers after commenting that she appeared to be Blackfishing.
(Image: jesynelson/Youtube)
Following years of trolling, Jesy added how her management team delete comments and block users.
Jesy’s publicist told the publication: “I take all those comments made seriously. I would never intentionally do anything to make myself look racially ambiguous, so that’s why I was initially shocked that the term was directed at me.”
Jesy’s fans were not happy with the video and took to Twitter to air their feelings.
(Image: jesynelson/Youtube)
One said: “Jesy Nelson’s solo debut #Boyz is cute and the video was a fun 00s throwback.
“But it’s 4 minutes of blatant cultural appropriation: – The Blackfishing – Lowriders and bikes – Gold teeth – The Blackfishing – The aesthetic – The hair – The lollipops – THE BLACKFISHING.”
Another added: “sorry but I can’t stand Jesy nelson why is she getting away with branding herself with this whole “hood” blackfishing aesthetic when she’s 100% white and from ROMFORD ??????”
(Image: GC Images)
A third said: “Jesy Nelson wouldn’t even promote/acknowledge Leigh-Anne’s doc on racism in the music industry… and now actively profits off black culture and blackfishing … it’s pretty self-explanatory.”
Fans continued to say their negative feelings towards the new track and video: “Not here for the blackfishing from Jesy Nelson and I’m really surprised diddy and Nicki were ..”
“Jesy Nelson song….. Oh. She sampled bad bays for life… I thought she was coming with something original :/ she just cringes me now. The blackfishing and culture vulture in her is too much,” Tweeted another fan.
Jesy who quit the famous girl band, recently revealed that she hasn’t spoke to her ex-Little Mix bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, and Perrie Edwards in a year.
The band found fame on the X Factor in 2011 and had nine years together topping the charts.
Jesy quit due to growing strain on her mental health.
She spoke to Glamour Magazine and said: “I haven’t spoken to the girls. It is weird because for so many years we were as close as sisters, together every hour of the day for weeks, sharing beds, laughing, crying just 24/7 the four of us together and then… Nothing.”
The now solo singer has also released a documentary Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out, which revealed she had attempted to take her own life after facing years of abuse and trolling.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
