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Jesy Nelson, former member of British girl group Little Mix, is under fire by fans and former bandmates following accusations of blackfishing — the act of a non-Black person intentionally changing ones’ features to resemble a Black person.
A tanned Nelson is surrounded by Black men in durags in the video for her debut solo single, “Boyz” as she sings about wanting a “bad boy.” The visuals depict several racist stereotypes to highlight its message. This didn’t sit well with many, including former group members Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Nelson, who all unfollowed the singer on their socials.
She did, however, receive support from track collaborator Nicki Minaj.
The larger issue is more than aesthetics in music videos and is another example of Black culture being commodified in the music industry.