PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Beaming Jesy Nelson larks around with boyfriend Harry James as her blackfishing row with Leigh-Anne Pinnock rumbles on
- Jesy and Harry originally dated for 16 months, before splitting three years ago in 2018 when Jesy was in ‘work mode’ with Little Mix
- They are said to have rekindled their romance over the summer and Harry directed the music video for her debut single Boyz
- Jesy was accused of ‘blackfishing’ in her Boyz video – a term used to describe a white person attempting to appear to have black heritage
- She has been embroiled in a feud with former Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne who asked an influencer to film a video on Jesy’s blackfishing scandal
She has been embroiled in a bitter feud with her Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock in recent weeks.
Yet Jesy Nelson put the drama aside as she enjoyed a fun-filled day out with boyfriend Harry James in London on Tuesday.
The Boyz singer, 30, seemed in great spirits as she beamed broadly before throwing her arms around her on/off beau.
Picture Exclusive: Beaming Jesy Nelson larked around with boyfriend Harry James in London on Tuesday as her blackfishing row with Leigh-Anne Pinnock rumbles on
Jesy was casually clad for the outing in an all black sportswear ensemble.
The former Little Mix star sheathed her frame in a black Taco Bell inspired hoodie paired with matching tracksuit bottoms.
She added to the look with a pair of black and white Nike trainers.
Jesy completed her ensemble with a £750 black Prada bucket hat that she wore over her glossy chestnut locks.
Sartorially in sync with his girlfriend, James also opted for a casual grey hoodie that he paired with white sweatpants and trainers.
What row? She has been embroiled in a bitter feud with her Little Mix bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock in recent week, Jesy put the drama aside as she enjoyed a fun-filled day out
Cosy: The Boyz singer, 30, seemed in great spirits as she beamed broadly before throwing her arms around her on/off beau
The couple originally dated for 16 months, before splitting three years ago in 2018 when Jesy was in ‘work mode’ with Little Mix.
Jesy and Harry even share the singer’s Pomeranian, Reggie, together – describing the adorable puppy as their ‘baby’ on Instagram in 2017.
They are said to have rekindled their romance over the summer, though they have not commented publicly on the state of their relationship.
Last month, Harry was said to have whisked Jesy off on a holiday to Antigua ahead of the release of her debut single Boyz.
Low-key look: Jesy was casually clad for the outing in an all black sportswear ensemble
Under wraps: The former Little Mix star sheathed her frame in a black Taco Bell inspired hoodie paired with matching tracksuit bottoms
Casually cool: She added to the look with a pair of black and white Nike trainers
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Jesy and Harry always got on like a house on fire and Antigua was a great way to reconnect with the privacy of no one knowing who they were.
‘Jesy has had her own battles but with her solo career ready to go and her bond with Harry stronger than ever she’s really in the best place.’
They added: ‘He is helping her with her career but also there for her privately. They have both matured a lot since they were last together and have grown very close.’
Brunette bombshell: Jesy completed her ensemble with a £750 black Prada bucket hat that she wore over her glossy chestnut locks
All about the accessories: Jesy was carrying a Louis Vuitton backpack on the outing
On and off: The couple originally dated for 16 months, before splitting three years ago in 2018 when Jesy was in ‘work mode’ with Little Mix
Keeping quiet: They are said to have rekindled their romanced over the summer, though they have not commented publicly on the state of their relationship
Harry also directed the music video for her controversial hit Boyz, which saw the singer embroiled in a row with her former band member.
The video was a remake of Diddy’s single Bad Boy for Life, but Jesy came under fire for ‘blackfishing’ – a term used to describe a white person attempting to appear to have black heritage – in leaked Instagram messages from Leigh-Anne.
Leigh-Anne broke down in tears as she made a speech about her ‘character’ during her 30th birthday party celebrations on Saturday.
A source previously said: ‘Jesy and Harry always got on like a house on fire and Antigua was a great way to reconnect with the privacy of no one knowing who they were’
A source said of the pair: ‘He is helping her with her career but also there for her privately. They have both matured a lot since they were last together and have grown very close’
The singer became emotional as she was supported by her fiancé Andre Gray, 30, following her ‘blackfishing’ row with Jesy and rapper Nicki Minaj.
Leigh-Anne, who recently gave birth to twins, said she is ‘so proud’ of what she has achieved so far and will ‘never stop’ using her voice.
While Leigh-Anne grew tearful, Andre stepped in to state that anyone who disrespects his fiancée is going to have a ‘problem’ with him.
The couple did not address recent reports that Little Mix are set to announce they are splitting next month.
Cosy chats: Jesy and Harry made for a cute couple as they chatted away to one another
Larking around: At one point Harry seemed to be dancing around as he chatted with Jesy
Out and about: Jesy was also joined by a female friend on the outing, with the pair chatting away together
Leigh-Anne said: ‘I’m 30 years old. I know my character. You know my character. Anyone that meets me knows my f*****g character. I’m so proud of everything that I’ve achieved.
‘I’ve got the most beautiful fiancé who I’m still pretty much obsessed with. Best believe, everything I stand for, everything I’m fighting for, it’s for them [her twins].
‘I will never stop. I have found my voice now and I will continue to use it. Tonight we celebrate life, best friends and amazing family. I love you all.’
Andre wrapped his arm around Leigh-Anne during her speech and then took the microphone as he said anyone who disrespects his fiancée is going to have a ‘problem’ with him.
Chatting away: Jesy and Harry were enjoying some time together along with a female friend
Can’t believe it: Jesy seemed in shock at something Harry had said as she threw her hands up to her head in disbelief
Oh dear: Harry directed the music video for Jesy’s controversial hit Boyz, which saw the singer embroiled in a row with her former band member, Leigh-Anne Pinnock
He said: ‘You can put this on Instagram or whatever and if you’ve anything to say, come and find me. She’s my baby mother, my wife.
‘If you’re going to try and disrespect my baby mother, my wife, my fiancée and my children, there’s gonna be a problem. That’s how it is.
‘All I want to do is support you three. Everyone in here knows their names. When they grow up, I hope they’re just like you.’
Emotional: Leigh-Anne broke down in tears as she made a speech about her ‘character’ during her 30th birthday party celebrations on Saturday
A source close to Jesy told MailOnline: ‘Jesy has already apologised for any offense caused with the blackfishing claims and she hasn’t said a word about Leigh-Anne.’
While Leigh-Anne was celebrating her birthday with her nearest and dearest, Jesy skipped the party in favour of downing shots with her pals.
The Boyz singer went for drinks with her friend Sal and shared a snap of some of the drinks they enjoyed on Saturday.
Absent: While Leigh-Anne was celebrating her birthday with her nearest and dearest, Jesy skipped the party in favour of downing shots with her pals
Leigh-Anne looked incredible for the celebrations as she donned a figure-hugging animal print jumpsuit.
She did not address speculation that Little Mix are set to announce next month that they are formally splitting up.
Amid speculation that Leigh-Anne, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall are planning on solo careers, it’s said that they’ll officially call it a day as a trio with an announcement in mid-November.
Speech: Leigh-Anne became emotional as she was supported by her fiancé Andre Gray, 30, following her ‘blackfishing’ row with former Little Mix bandmate Jesy and rapper Nicki Minaj
According to The Sun, the move comes as it’s evident that ‘the end of the road has been reached’, with the girls’ upcoming tour reported to be a final farewell to their devoted fans.
A source told the publication: ‘There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Little Mix but it is now very clear that the end of the road has been reached.
‘A date is set to announce the split. The upcoming tour is going to be a farewell to their fans.’
Content: She released her first solo single Boyz featuring Nicki Minaj on Friday last week and has been focusing on her music following the row
Jesy left Little Mix in December last year, saying being part of the pop group had taken a toll on her mental health.
She released her first solo single Boyz featuring Nicki Minaj earlier this month and has been focusing on her music following the row.
A source told MailOnline: ‘Jesy has spent the last couple of days in the recording studio.
‘The studio has become a sanctuary for her; and she’s been pouring her heart and soul into writing new songs.
‘Jesy wants to focus solely on her music and solo career and not get caught up in any further feuds with other artists; she’s got some big plans for the future and upcoming music.’
Departure: Jesy left Little Mix in December last year, saying being part of the pop group had taken a toll on her mental health (L-R Leigh-Anne, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards in April)
The row between the former bandmates hit headlines last week when leaked messages between Leigh-Anne and influencer NoHun saw the singer accuse Jesy of blackfishing in the music video for Boyz.
Leigh-Anne also claimed that and her bandmates did not unfollow the star on Instagram as has been widely reported but were instead blocked by Jesy.
A slew of messages to NoHun saw Leigh-Anne insist that ‘no one knows anything’ when it comes to the fallout and that she was ‘raging’.
The leaked messages showed Leigh-Anne replying to NoHun’s poll, asking whether he should create a dance routine to Jesy’s debut solo single Boyz.
Jesy then took part in an Instagram livestream with Boyz collaborator Nicki, who accused Leigh-Anne of trying to ruin Jesy’s new solo career and branded the new mother and the rest of the group ‘jealous miserable clowns’.
Blackfishing? Jesy was accused of blackfishing after releasing the music video to her single, Boyz – a remake of Diddy’s 2001 video Bad Boy For Life, which she samples in her new track
What is ‘blackfishing’?
A newly coined phrase in 2018, ‘blackfishing’ describes someone who pretends to be black on social media for social or financial gain – using make-up, hairstyles, or even surgery to alter their appearance and adopt characteristics typically associated with women of colour.
The term came to prominence after a post calling out the ‘alarming’ amount of ‘white girls cosplaying as black women on Instagram’ was liked nearly 50,000 times on Twitter.
It prompted users to flood the thread with before and after snaps revealing drastic changes to certain influencers’ appearance.
The songstress was then said to be ‘devastated’ Leigh-Anne had ‘sparked racial hatred’ and a new wave of intense trolling towards her, telling pals she couldn’t believe ‘someone she once called family could be so cruel.’
However, a source clarified to MailOnline: ‘It’s not fair to criticise Leigh-Anne over this. She was just upset as were others over blackfishing, and social media is awash with it.’
Jesy has spoken candidly about her mental health battles in the past, and revealed in her 2019 BBC documentary, Odd One Out, that she attempted suicide after being subjected to vicious trolling.
Following a backlash over the livestream chat, Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki noted Jesy’s mental state as she tweeted: ‘JeLeigh btchs actin real messy. ~ if you know someone has been suicidal from bullying in the past, why try to get a bunch of ppl to bully them again about smthng else, on an even bigger scale?
‘You know she was suicidal, shame on you!’: The blackfishing row showed no sign of dying down after Nicki Minaj (left) doubled down on her row with Leigh-Anne
Not holding back: After lashing out at Leigh-Anne on Instagram live, Nicki then took aim at Leigh-Anne’s ‘messy fans’, accusing them of having a negative impact on Jesy’s mental health
Painful: Jesy has spoken candidly about her mental health battles and revealed in her 2019 BBC documentary, Odd One Out, that she attempted suicide after being subjected to trolling
‘Shame on you— that’s rlly sad. You don’t know what ppl can deal with. Mental Health [sic].’
The post came after Nicki also took a not-so subtle swipe at Leigh-Anne in which she accused the singer of only speaking out about blackfishing now that Jesy is no longer helping the band make money.
Nicki posted: ‘Don’t call things out when they benefit your personal vendetta to ppl. Call them out immediately once you see it chile. Don’t wait a decade after you’ve made millions with the person #BoyzOutNow.
‘When ppl can’t get money with you they always try to stop your bag. Well only the corny ones chile #BoyzOutNow going live in one hour.
Eek: The post came after Nicki took a swipe at Leigh-Anne in which she accused the singer of only speaking out about blackfishing now that Jesy is no longer helping the band make money
‘Jesy! We got all these #Jelly btchs actin real MESSY!!!!! Stop it miss gorl Flag of United Kingdom going live in one hour on IG to get into sum thangz [sic]’.
Three years ago Jesy was first accused of cultural appropriation when she sported braids in her hair in a photo posted to Instagram, which was later deleted.
She came under fire yet again after releasing the music video to her new single, Boyz – a remake of Diddy’s 2001 video Bad Boy For Life, which she samples in her new track.
Shock swipe: Jesy’s Boyz collaborator Nicki stood up for Jesy amid the blackfishing row during an Instagram live stream on Monday
Addressing the claims in an interview with Vulture, Jesy claimed that she was never targeted with ‘blackfishing’ claims while she was in Little Mix and has only faced such criticism following her departure from the girlband.
‘I’m very aware that I’m a white British woman; I’ve never said that I wasn’t,’ she said, defended herself from the accusations.
‘But I mean, like, I love Black culture. I love Black music. That’s all I know; it’s what I grew up on.’
Speaking out: Leigh-Anne allegedly accused Jesy of blackfishing in messages to influencer NoHun – who shared the exchange on his Instagram Story
Source: Read Full Article
