The Real Reason Jesy Nelson Quit Little Mix

It looks like Little Mix fans may need to sing a "Break Up Song" of their own. In December 2020, Little Mix member Jesy Nelson confirmed that she was parting ways with the U.K. girl group. The news broke just one day after Nelson was noticeably absent during the group's Strictly Come Dancing performance on Dec. 13, 2020, leaving bandmates Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall to make do as a trio onstage. Nelson was also a no-show at the 2020 MTV EMAs, even though Little Mix hosted and performed at the award show.

While in November 2020, a spokesperson for the band claimed Nelson was taking an extended break from the group "for private medical reasons," on Dec. 14, 2020, the remaining members of Little Mix took to Twitter to tell fans that Nelson is gone for good. "After an amazing 9 years together Jesy has made the decision to leave Little Mix," the tweet stated. "This is an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy." The British girl group released their sixth studio album, Confetti, in November 2020, and are slated to go on tour in 2021. So, what's the real reason behind Nelson's abrupt departure? 

Jesy Nelson has previously opened up about her mental health challenges. In January 2020, her documentary Odd One Out won the Best Factual Entertainment Show at the National Television Awards for its honest depiction of the cyberbullying Nelson faced as part of Little Mix, per Digital Spy. In light of Nelson's exit, Little Mix took to Twitter to acknowledge that the split was best for Nelson's well-being. 

"We love [Nelson] very much and agree that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being," the band wrote in a thread. "We are still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey and the 3 of us are not ready for it to be over." The band called the statement "upsetting news," especially for their fans, but thanked them for their loyalty and support during this time. Nelson also posted a letter on Instagram explaining her decision. 

"The truth is recently being in the band has taken a toll on my mental health," Nelson wrote. "I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations really hard. There comes a time in life when we need to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focussing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is the time to begin that process." Nelson added that she is ready for her "next chapter in life," but, as of this writing, she isn't quite sure what that will look like just yet.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).