Jesy Nelson, Little Mix Alleged Drama Breakdown: Timeline

Longtime drama? Jesy Nelson appears to have some bad blood with the remaining members of Little Mix — Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall — after her departure from the group in December 2020.

“I don’t have any regrets because I had to do what was right for me and I will always cherish the memories I had in Little Mix,” Jesy told The Sun in April 2023 about leaving the group. “So no, we haven’t talked since then. Never say never, but I honestly wish them the best on their solo journeys now, which is so exciting.”

Keep reading for details on the drama between Jesy and Little Mix.

Did Jesy Nelson Leave Little Mix?

The singer announced her departure from the group in December 2020.

“I feel like a lot of people think it’s selfish that I’ve left the group, and it really affected me at the start. I really didn’t want to upset people and I didn’t want people to think that about me,” the said on the “Reign With Josh Smith” podcast in September 2021. “But I don’t care anymore because it was 10 years of my life that I was very unhappy with. And I needed to take myself out of that and genuinely do what’s going to make me happy. And some people may not understand that, but you live once, and you have to do what makes you happy.”

What Happened Between Little Mix, Jesy Nelson and Nicki Minaj?

In October 2021, Jesy dropped her debut solo single “Boyz,” featuring Nicki Minaj. Following the music video’s release, fans accused the songstress of “Blackfishing,” which she has since addressed. In a statement to Vulture, Jesy revealed that members of her team “had deleted comments” calling out the British star for allegedly “Blackfishing” in the video.

“I know comments relating to this had previously been deleted from my IG account,” Jesy shared. “I’ve spent years being bullied online, so I limit the amount I go on socials. My management team have access to my account & they were trying to protect me & my mental health.”

In a separate statement shared with Vulture, Jesy further acknowledged the claims, saying, “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.”

Do the Little Mix Members Talk to Jesy Nelson?

Around the same time as the apparent scandal broke, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that the remaining Little Mix members appeared to unfollow Jesy on social media. This came days after Jesy told Glamour U.K. that she hasn’t been in contact with the girls since leaving the group.

“I haven’t spoken to the girls,” the X Factor alum shared in October 2021 “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.”

Jesy added, “Hopefully, at some point in the future, we can all come back together. I love them. They are my sisters in so many ways, but for the time being we just don’t talk.”

Scroll through our gallery for a full timeline of the drama.

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The Alleged Messages

A TikTok user who goes by the username NoHun appeared to share alleged Instagram direct messages from Leigh-Anne in which she called Jesy a “horrible person.” The unverified messages also appear to tell the influencer that he should make a video about the singer being a “Black fish” amid ongoing claims.

Fans were torn by the legitimacy of the messages, with some believing they were real. Another Twitter user appeared to show “proof” the messages were fake.

A rep for Little Mix did not immediately respond to J-14‘s request for comment.

Nicki Chimes In

After the alleged screenshots went viral, Jesy and Nicki hosted an Instagram Live in which the rapper appeared to address the apparent social media messages. While she never called the Little Mix member out by name, Nicki said, “Sweetheart, take them text messages and shove it up your f–king ass,” per E! News.

“Let her enjoy this time. If you was in this woman’s group and you ain’t talk about this s–t for 10 years, and as soon as you see she’s got a video coming out with Nicki Minaj,” the musician added. “Print them text messages out, bust your ass open and shove it up your motherf–king ass. OK? And stop trying to hurt people and kill people’s lives and career.”

Leigh-Anne’s Speech

The Little Mix member appeared to address the reported drama at her 30th birthday bash, also in October 2021. According to a video obtained by The Mirror, Leigh-Anne shared a speech with guests, saying, “I’m 30 years old. I know my character, you know my character, anyone that meets me knows my f–king character. That’s all I care about.”

A Major Update

Nearly two years after the drama started, Jesy shared a major update about where she and the Little Mix ladies stand, noting that they haven’t spoken. While chatting with The Sun in April 2023, Jesy credited her “mental health issues” and “body issues” as two of the reasons leading to her departure.

“For me personally, by the end, I couldn’t enjoy the good parts and it’s a shame as I had the most amazing times in Little Mix, but I will say this always, your mental health is the most important thing and you only live once so sometimes you have to stop and look after yourself,” she explained. “I needed support and help to overcome that, and there wasn’t the time while I was in the band.”