Key Highlights
- Jesy Nelson’s new Prime Video series reveals her struggles with mental health and the fallout from her departure from Little Mix.
- The documentary “Life After Little Mix” details Jesy’s pregnancy journey and the challenges she faced, including twin babies born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1.
- Nelson shares her perspective on the breakup of Little Mix, challenging the public narrative that portrayed her as a villain.
- The documentary highlights the pressures faced by women in girl bands, particularly regarding online abuse and body image issues.
Breaking Down the Myths: Jesy Nelson’s Side of the Story
Jesy Nelson’s new six-episode Prime Video series, “Life After Little Mix,” is a raw and poignant look at her life post-Little Mix. It’s not just about a band breakup; it’s a deeply personal journey that exposes the toll her departure took on both her mental health and physical well-being.
The Unspoken Truth
When Jesy Nelson left Little Mix in 2020, she was branded as the villain of the breakup. The official statement from the band seemed to suggest a mutual decision, but behind closed doors, it was much more complex. Nelson’s departure wasn’t just a personal choice; it was driven by her mental health struggles.
“I never wanted any of this to happen,” Jesy says in one of the episodes. “I never wanted to leave first.” This statement alone challenges the narrative that she was the driving force behind the breakup. The documentary reveals that another member had initially wanted to quit, leading to a plan for a final tour before everyone’s departure.
Health Battles and Breakdowns
The pressures of being in Little Mix, combined with external factors like online abuse about her weight and body image issues, pushed Nelson to the brink. In 2013, she attempted suicide just one week after a BBC documentary portrayed her as the odd one out. The documentary doesn’t shy away from this dark period but instead delves into how it affected her career and personal life.
Nelson’s journey is marked by constant battles with depression and anxiety.
During lockdown, when she was supposed to be enjoying a break from her high-profile role, she found herself back in the spotlight for a music video shoot. She describes googling “quickest way to lose a stone in a week” as indicative of how much pressure she felt.
Heartbreak and Hope
The documentary also focuses on Nelson’s pregnancy journey, which was filled with uncertainties and heartbreaks. Learning that her twins would be born prematurely due to sharing a placenta and having SMA type 1 was devastating. However, despite the challenges, Nelson remains resilient and hopeful for the future.
“We’re grown women. We’ve got kids,” she says at the end of the series. “I just think there are so many more important things in life.” This sentiment underscores her desire to move forward and focus on her family rather than the turmoil of her past.
The Broader Context
“Life After Little Mix” isn’t just about Jesy; it’s a broader commentary on the pressures faced by women in girl bands. The documentary highlights how the public narrative often overshadows the personal struggles and the toll they take on mental health. It also questions whether the other members of Little Mix, who are now pursuing solo careers, have fully supported their former bandmate.
Nelson’s account provides a fresh perspective that challenges the one-dimensional portrayal she received from the media and public. Her story is a reminder that behind every celebrity narrative lies a more complex reality filled with personal battles and sacrifices.
