Jesy Nelson’s documentary reveals the complexities of her journey
Jesy Nelson’s new documentary series Life After Little Mix presents a more nuanced and challenging narrative than previously portrayed, reports BritPanorama.
The series opens with poignant moments, such as the birth of her twins and her pride in Little Mix’s performance of “Shout Out to My Ex” at the Brits in 2017. However, a significant moment arises during a pregnancy photoshoot, where Nelson candidly states that she has become unconcerned about her appearance since becoming pregnant. “I don’t really give a shit anymore,” she says, which carries weight considering her history of scrutiny around her weight since her X Factor audition at 20.
In the first episode of the six-part series available on Prime Video, Nelson, along with her then-partner Zion, documents the difficulties they encountered during her pregnancy, sharing the reality of delivering premature twins who were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1. This condition is critical, with a life expectancy of less than two years. Despite the heavy themes, Nelson approaches her narrative with courage.
The series also sheds light on her exit from Little Mix in 2020, where she explained on several occasions that her time in the band significantly affected her mental health. While the official statement indicated that her bandmates were supportive, public perception quickly shifted, positioning Nelson as the antagonist in the story of the group’s breakup. Nelson remarks, “there would be days when I would cry,” underlining her fragility during a period marked by misunderstanding and harsh judgment.
In Life After Little Mix, she articulates her feelings about her departure: “I never wanted to leave first,” she shares. There was an effort among the group to plan a final tour before disbanding, but the onset of the pandemic delayed these plans. During lockdown, she found some peace away from the spotlight, yet the pressure resurfaced with a demand to shoot a music video just weeks later, exacerbating her anxiety and leading her back into a depressive cycle.
The documentary revisits some difficult moments, including Nelson’s suicide attempt in 2013 due to public scrutiny and abuse about her weight. She reflects on how this attempt was overlooked, stating, “It just got swept under the rug, and everything went back to normal.” Following her second attempt, the support she received from her bandmates left her feeling isolated instead of supported, culminating in her decision to leave the group.
Throughout the series, Nelson questions whether the group’s internal dynamics or external pressures contributed more to her struggles. She expresses regret about not being able to explain her departure directly to the other members, highlighting a communication breakdown that has persisted since her exit. The last communication she had with them was five years ago, generating questions about unresolved tensions within Little Mix.
Importantly, the documentary reframes the public narrative surrounding her departure, inviting viewers to critically evaluate the simplistic villainization that took place. It prompts reflection on how unaddressed mental health issues within the band and a lack of communication may have changed the course of events. As the documentary closes, Nelson asserts that there are “so many more important things in life,” suggesting a desire for reconciliation and understanding among her former bandmates.
‘Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix’ is streaming on Prime Video
