Jesy Nelson's latest single "Bad Thing" has received a tepid response, accumulating just over 6,000 streams on its opening day. The former Little Mix member has been surrounded by controversy since leaving the group in December 2020, and it continues to haunt her over two years later.
Nelson's solo career has been plagued by fans poking fun at her "failed attempt" at a singing career, erasing her from Little Mix photos, and comparing her to the remaining members, Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, and Leigh-Ann Pinnock.
Addressing Little Mix Comparisons In a social media post, Nelson expressed her frustration with the constant comparisons to her former band. She criticized interviewers who asked questions about Little Mix when she was trying to discuss her solo work and the important issue of domestic violence, which her music video addresses.
"It's just fking bullst, 'cause I just feel like women just get pitted up against each other 24/7 in music," Nelson said, adding that her comments about the group are often taken out of context.
The Reasons Behind Fan Dislike Initially, fans were supportive of Nelson when she left Little Mix, citing mental health reasons. However, blackfishing allegations and her perceived lack of response to these claims turned fans against her.
Medical News Today defines blackfishing as dressing up as a Black person, which is also a form of blackface. Nelson's official response to the allegations was, "I love Black culture. I love Black music. That's all I know; it's what I grew up on. I'm very aware that I'm a white British woman; I've never said that I wasn't."
As Nelson continues her solo career, it remains to be seen if she can overcome the controversies and comparisons that have plagued her since leaving Little Mix.