Little Mix's Leigh-Anne breaks down in emotional video about racism

[Gimme More 35,403]

Leigh-Anne Pinnock shared an emotional video about racism on Friday night.

The Little Mix star, 28, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking message as she candidly spoke about her own experiences and anxiety battle.

Leigh-Anne, whose bandmates are Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, tearfully admitted that she feels 'invisible' at times in the group.

The star also shared that she always feels like the 'least favoured' and has to work 'ten times harder' in Little Mix.

Leigh-Anne said during the five minute video: 'My reality is feeling anxious before fan events and signings because I always feel like I'm the least favoured. 

'My reality is constantly feeling like I have to work ten times harder and longer to make my case in the group, because my talent alone isn't enough. My reality is all the times I felt invisible within my group. 

'Part of me is fully aware that my experience would have been ever harder to deal with had I been dark-skinned. Our reality is no matter how far you think you've come, racism exists. 

'So let's all continue to speak up on racism and keep this movement going. Thank you.'

Leigh-Anne also recalled how a director she worked with during filming for their hit track Wings, nine years ago, told her 'you are the black girl, you have to work ten times harder'.

She added: 'There comes a point in every black human's life ... you realise racism does not exclude you. Nine years ago, after joining Little Mix, I had the biggest awakening of my life. 

'When we were filming Wings, we worked with Frank Gatson. He said to me, "You are the black girl, you have to work ten times harder." Never in my life had someone told me I would need to work harder because of my race. 

'My reality was feeling lonely while touring predominantly white countries. I sang to fans who don't see me or hear me or cheer me on.'

Leigh-Anne captioned the video with: 'Like many of you, I have been feeling really heavy with everything that we are seeing online and hearing on the news. In the past I have mentioned some personal experiences that were triggered due to my race. 

'More than ever I felt like it was time that I was completely open and honest with you all because finally, the world is awake and people want to listen, help and understand. 

'I'm not doing this video for sympathy or for you to watch and then go about normal life. I'm doing it because enough is enough and hopefully from sharing this we can all do more to understand the racism that takes place. 

So proud of her, she's talked a lot about the racism she's received! So proud of her for speaking up and being so strong 

 

 

 

[JillTyrell2004 490]

Brave girl and powerful words. 💔

[Gimme More 35,403]

8 minutes ago, JillTyrell2004 said:

Brave girl and powerful words. 💔

it was so heart breaking hearing what she said!  So strong! 

[COOOK 76,406]

She also bonded with Normani in the comments, relating both as being the overlooked black member of their respective girl groups:

 

[Gimme More 35,403]

8 minutes ago, COOOK said:

She also bonded with Normani in the comments, relating both as being the overlooked black member of their respective girl groups:

 

That is sweet! I've saw a few other 5H girls in Leigh-Anne's comments supporting her, so have all the LM girls and they've re-posted her on their stories saying how much they love her. I'm seeing this video being spread by SO many UK celebs which I think is great as it just spreads more awareness 

[Guest]

@PrinceGaga whats funny?

[PrinceGaga 7,585]

2 minutes ago, KanyeWest said:

@PrinceGaga whats funny?

I'm colourblind and I got mixed up between the love and lmao icons as I reacted to quickly. Obviously less than ideal and thank you for letting me know.

[yes and 4,884]

She is an amazing person, such a great and powerful message 

[Blake 7,385]

Leigh is honestly so amazing and such a nice woman in person. I've always cheered for her and will continue too until they stop singing. 

A true icon.

[migamiga 12,102]

she broke me when she said she felt like she was the least favorite 

[hilaryduff 1]

I love her! So touching. She is a gorgey hun! 

[Gimme More 35,403]

13 hours ago, geishababe said:

she broke me when she said she felt like she was the least favorite 

honestly it broke my heart too