The three singers would not comment about her departure from the group, but they did say that they approached their former colleague before she exited the quartet.

Little Mix has collectively addressed the Jesy Nelson "blackfishing" controversy in a recent interview.

Following the release of her debut solo single and music video 'Boyz', Nelson was the subject of social media criticism around the subject. The term "blackfishing" refers to someone who uses their hairstyling or makeup to make them appear as if they have darker skin.

Speaking with The Sunday Telegraph's Stella Magazine, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards touched on the controversy, backing up the rumours that they had previously discussed the subject with Nelson.

Pinnock told the publication: "Capitalising on aspects of blackness without having to endure the daily realities of the black experience is problematic and harmful to people of colour.

"We think it's absolutely not okay to use harmful stereotypes. There's so much to say on that subject that it's hard to sum up in a soundbite."

Pinnock is believed to have spoken with Nelson on the subject previously, which the latter revealed in an IGTV live stream with Nicki Minaj in October.

Thirlwall also said to the publication over the weekend that the trio are attempting to move forward as positively as possible. She also said they approached Nelson is a "friendly, educational manner": "We don't really want to dwell, because we have so much to celebrate as a three. We've dealt with it in the best way that we know how, and got each other through it.

"We don't want to talk about the video, or be critical, but one thing we will clarify regarding the blackfishing situation is that Jesy was approached by the group in a very friendly, educational manner."

According to the publication, the conversation took place before Little Mix and Jesy nelson parted ways in late 2020.

Over the past weekend, Nelson appeared on 'The Graham Norton Show' to perform her new single. When asked by the host if she's still talking with her former bandmates, she said: "We're not talking anymore. I know it's sad but honestly, there is no bad blood from my side. I still love them to pieces and I want to wish them all the best, genuinely.

"I think it's just one of those things that needs to take time. [...] To me they're still the sickest girl band in the world."