Jesy Nelson’s new documentary reveals a different story about her departure from Little Mix
Jesy Nelson’s documentary series, titled Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, sheds light on the more tragic aspects of her life and experience in the band, presenting a narrative distinctly at odds with previous portrayals, reports BritPanorama.
The opening episodes present a variety of poignant moments, including Nelson discussing her pregnancy during a photoshoot, where she expresses a newfound disregard for her appearance. “I don’t really give a shit anymore,” she states, illustrating a departure from the scrutiny she faced about her looks during her time with Little Mix.
The series, meant to explore both her tumultuous relationship with her former bandmates—Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Perrie Edwards—and her journey as a new mother, takes a darker turn. Nelson and her then-partner, Zion, confront significant challenges during her pregnancy, discovering that their twins, Ocean and Story, share a placenta and face the diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, a condition with a limited life expectancy.
During her departure from Little Mix in 2020, Nelson cited the toll of band life on her mental health, while her bandmates were described as “fully supportive.” However, the narrative shifted, casting Nelson as a villain in the band’s breakup. She reveals the emotional turmoil during this period, indicating that she endured profound distress and anxiety, stating, “there would be days when I would cry, there would be days when I was a miserable bitch.” Important context, including the impact of her declining mental health, was often overlooked.
In the documentary, Nelson articulates her struggles, explaining that her exit was not entirely of her own making, as she had learned that another member wished to leave as well. Plans for a farewell tour were thwarted by the pandemic, leading Nelson to find solace in stepping away from the public eye, but the pressure soon returned when she was prompted to resume work.
The pressure she felt as a member of a girl band, exacerbated by online abuse regarding her weight, contributed significantly to her mental health struggles. Many of these issues were documented in Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out, highlighting a suicide attempt in 2013, yet Nelson felt the nuances of her struggles were flattened into sensational headlines. She recalls a week after her suicide attempt receiving pressure to return to filming.
As the series progresses, Nelson recounts instances post-lockdown when she reached out to her bandmates for support, only to feel dismissed, with one response indicating a lack of concern. Her attempts to communicate her struggles were met with indifference, which culminated in another suicide attempt, prompting her mother to urge her to leave the band for her well-being.
While some bandmates may not come off favorably in Life After Little Mix, Nelson emphasizes the complexity of the situation, questioning whether the issues were managerial or personal in nature. Communication breakdowns contributed to hurt feelings and misunderstandings, as the circumstances of her departure unfolded without her ability to fully provide her perspective.
The documentary reframes the narrative surrounding Nelson’s exit from the band, revealing a deeper understanding of her challenges that starkly contrasts the simplified storyline often presented in the media. It raises questions about the impact of mental health awareness within the music industry, particularly how artists are treated amidst personal crises.
As the documentary concludes, Nelson reflects on the importance of prioritizing personal happiness over public perception, underscoring the hope that her former bandmates may also recognize the essential nature of wellbeing amidst their shared history. Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix offers a nuanced portrayal of her journey, remaining a crucial commentary on the experiences of women in the entertainment industry.
‘Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix’ is streaming on Prime Video
