Leigh-Anne Pinnock has opened up about the worst treatment she faced during her career, revealing that she received awful racist abuse. The Little Mix star, who is currently appearing on Celebrity Traitors, spoke about her days in the girl band when she was overwhelmed by cruel comments from online trolls.
Speaking on the new episode of the Mad Sad Bad with Paloma Faith podcast, Leigh-Anne revealed that she has experienced both love and hate from online trolls. She noted that going solo has made her see this dynamic even more clearly, admitting that she still searches her name on social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter, even though it is often a painful exercise.
Asked by podcast host Paloma Faith about the worst comment she has ever read, Leigh-Anne recalled that it dated back to her younger years in the band. She explained how she was constantly reduced to her skin color by internet trolls and referred to derogatory terms simply as the black one in Little Mix.
She vividly recalled hateful phrases targeting her vocal abilities, such as statements claiming that the black member of the group could not sing. These targeted attacks caused immense emotional distress during her formative years in one of the world's biggest pop groups.
Addressing her current online habits, the singer explained that while the compulsion to search her name remains, her approach has evolved over time. She mentioned that she no longer actively seeks out negative feedback as much as she used to, having altered her relationship with digital platforms.
Leigh-Anne shared that she now conducts broader general searches rather than obsessing over toxic remarks, allowing her to protect her mental health and emotional well-being amidst a demanding public life. Transitioning to her personal life, the award-winning artist shared exciting news regarding her growing family.
The star is currently expecting her third child with her husband, professional footballer Andre Gray. The couple already shares a strong family bond and is raising 5-year-old twin daughters together.
Despite the challenges of fame, Leigh-Anne continues to balance her successful entertainment career with her dedication to motherhood. Her candid revelations on the podcast have drawn widespread support from fans and fellow artists alike, who praised her resilience in the face of persistent online toxicity and racism throughout her journey in the music industry.