FANS' PRIDE
Little Mix fans praise Jesy Nelson for ‘doing what’s right for her mental health’ by quitting the group
LITTLE Mix fans have praised Jesy Nelson for "doing what's right for her mental health" by quitting the group.
The 29-year-old star caused shockwaves this evening when she confirmed that she was leaving after nine years.
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In an emotional statement, Jesy said that although being in the group had been "incredible" it has "taken its toll" on her mental health.
She explained: "The truth is, recently being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health. I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard.
"I need to spend some time with the people I love, doing things that make me happy.
"I'm ready to embark on a new chapter in my life - I'm not sure what it's going to look like right now, but I hope you'll still be there to support me."
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And while fans were understandably devastated by her decision, they insisted that it was the right call as they praised the brave star for putting her mental wellbeing first.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "I'm heartbroken right now but I'm fully supportive of Jesy too. If she needs to take care of her mental health, she's absolutely right!"
Another agreed: "I adore her so dearly but if this is what’s best for her mental health I will love and support her."
A third said: "I’m proud of Jesy for doing what’s best for her. Her mental health is what matters."
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One more commented: "Well done to Jesy Nelson, who has openly said why she is leaving the life of a popstar, a life we are sold to want & desire.
"I hope she finds the happiness &; contentment she desires. No job is worth risking your long term mental health for."
Jesy has been open about her mental health battle over the years, bravely sharing the devastating impact years of online trolling had in her BBC documentary Odd One Out.
In the film, which won a National Television Award, Jesy spoke candidly about her struggle in Little Mix - revealing how she would starve herself for days during the deepest times in her depression, due to constant trolling about her weight and looks.
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Discussing the impact it had on her, she shared: "I just wanted to be Jesy. I didn’t want to be Jesy the fat one.
"I wanted people to see me as normal, so I punished myself. I starved myself."
The star's Little Mix bandmates have released a statement sharing their support of her decision to leave, also confirming that their 2021 tour will go ahead as scheduled.
They wrote: "After an amazing 9 years together Jesy has made the decision to leave Little Mix. This is an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy.
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"We love her very much and agree that it is so important that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being. We are still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey and the 3 of us are not ready for it to be over.
"We know that Jesy leaving the group is going to be really upsetting news for our fans. We love you guys so much and are so grateful for your loyalty and continued support of all of us.
"We’re looking forward to seeing so many of you on tour."
In November, a Little Mix rep confirmed that Jesy was taking "extended time off" for "private medical reasons".
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They said at the time: "Jesy is having extended time off from Little Mix for private medical reasons.
"We will not be issuing any further comment currently and ask media to please respect her privacy at this time."
It came two weeks after she missed the grand finale of the band's TV talent show The Search, as well as their high-profile stint hosting the MTV EMAs.
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Little Mix performed as a trio on Strictly before Jesy Nelson confirmed she'd quit the band
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The Sun then revealed that Jade, Perrie and Leigh-Anne are going solo - with each involved in secret plans to launch individual careers next year at the end of their existing deal.
However, Jade has insisted the group "will never die" even if the girls do end up branching out.
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Little Mix formed on The X Factor in 2011, becoming the first band to win the show.
Together they have sold more than 50million records, landing two Brit Awards, four number one singles and releasing six albums along the way.
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