Leigh-Anne Pinnock revealed how racism has affected her time in Little Mix
"I have to work 10 times harder and longer to make my case in the group"
Last updated 16th Feb 2022
Since finding fame on The X Factor way back in 2011 and subsequently becoming one of the biggest girl bands in the world, Little Mix girls Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirlwall haven't ever shied away from discussing important topics and being positive role models for their fans.
Whether it's Leigh-Anne discussing racism, Jade bravely discussing her anorexia battle, Jesy opening up about online bullying or Perrie embracing her imperfections, the girls often speak up and make their voices heard.
And as the Black Lives Matter protests continued across the world in 2020, following the unlawful death of American man George Floyd, Leigh-Anne uploaded a powerful video to her Instagram, where she's revealed how racism has affected her time in Little Mix.
Uploading a five-minute video of herself candidly speaking, Leigh-Anne recalls the moment she was told by choreographer Frank Gatson during the 'Wings' video shoot that she would have to 'work 10 times harder' because of the colour of her skin.
She said, "He said to me, ‘You’re the Black girl, you have to work 10 times harder.’ Never in my life had someone told me I would need to work harder because of my race.”
Leigh-Anne then added, “Later on, what Frank Gatson said made sense. I learned that the dream of being in the biggest girl band in the world came with its flaws and consequences. Consequences such as knowing about the existent underlined racism in the creative industries.
“You learn to understand you can’t be seen to be too loud or too opinionated otherwise you’re deemed a diva or aggressive. You learn that by walking into a room you are deemed unapproachable or offish before anyone has even approached you. You learn that by voicing your opinion about the lack of diversity within the industry is like smashing your head against a brick wall.”
Of course, Leigh-Anne has enjoyed an incredible career with Little Mix, touring the world, dropping Number 1 hits, winning awards, and even landing a TV show called Little Mix: The Search, but the 28-year-old has now revealed the struggles she's faced over the last ten years.
Getting emotional, she told fans, "I sang to fans who don’t see me or hear me or cheer me on. 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 10 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 even harder to deal with had I been dark-skinned. Our reality is no matter how far you think you’ve come, racism exists."
Sharing such an important and personal message online was certainly received well by fellow musicians and fans across the world.
Normani wrote, 'I am YOU and you are ME. I see you sis !!!!!', with her Little Mix band mate Jade Thirlwall writing, 'my sister. proud of you ✨'. (sic)
Former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke also revealed she'd been given the same advice, writing, 'This made me cry! Frank told me the SAME THING!!!!!!! Love you so much @leighannepinnock thank you for sharing.... I can relate on every damn level. 💔💔 Xxxx'. (sic)
We LOVE you Leigh-Anne! ❤️