Jesy Nelson’s solo single Boyz was released on Friday, however fans have had something to say about the singer’s tanned complexion.
The 30-year-old performer released her debut single Boyz along with the music video which features American rapper Nicki Minaj and a cameo from record producer P.Diddy.
Some viewers have accused the star of blackfishing – a term that refers to someone who changes their appearance to appear Black or racially ambiguous.
In an interview with Vulture, Jesy addressed the claims said: ‘I’m very aware that I’m a white British woman; I’ve never said that I wasn’t.’
‘I mean, like, I love Black culture. I love Black music. That’s all I know, it’s what I grew up on.’
She added: ‘I take all those comments made seriously. 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.’
Last December, Jesy quit Little Mix after nine years, citing the strain being in a girlband had on her mental health.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards have continued on as a trio, while Jesy is embarking on a solo career.
Although the singer referred to her former bandmates as ‘sisters’ she recently revealed she no longer speaks to the girls.
Speaking to Glamour, Jesy said: ‘I haven’t spoken to the girls. 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.
‘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.’
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