Jesy Nelson speaks out about Little Mix rift: ‘There’s no bad blood on my side’

Former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson has denied that there’s any “bad blood” from her towards her former bandmates.

Nelson left Little Mix in December last year after nine years in the girl band which was formed on talent show X-Factor. She cited the mental health toll of being in the band as the reason for her departure.

Nelson is due to appear on The Graham Norton Show on Friday and has spoken about her relationship with her ex-bandmates.

She said: “We’re not talking anymore. It is sad but honestly, there is no bad blood from my side, and I still love them to pieces and genuinely wish them all the best.

“I loved my time with them, and we’ve got the most incredible memories together, but it’s just one of those things which needs to take time, so who knows.

“To me, they are still the sickest girl band in the world.”

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The remaining members Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall have continued to make music and perform as a trio.

Meanwhile, Nelson’s solo career and a recent release of her debut single Boyz has been marred by accusations of blackfishing – where a non-black person attempts to appear to be black or mixed-race.

In a controversial Instagram Live stream with rapper Nicki Minaj who features on her single, Minaj directed a message towards Nelson’s former bandmate Pinnock over alleged screenshots that appeared to show Pinnock calling Nelson a “blackfish”.

Minaj said: “Sweetheart, take them messages and shove them up your ass. Don’t come out to try and ruin anyone, let her enjoy this time.”

Despite the controversy, Nelson told host Graham Norton about her future plans, saying: “An album hopefully next year. I’m still in the writing process and I don’t want to rush things.”