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💡 TLDR
Leigh-Anne talks about how Black girls in girl groups often get overlooked and treated badly. She’s not alone—this issue keeps coming up, and it’s time we keep talking about it.
Bestie, we need to talk about the behind-the-scenes drama in girl groups—specifically the ones where Black girls are always the ones getting the short end of the stick. Leigh-Anne from Little Mix just dropped some truth bombs about how Black members of these groups are often gaslit, underestimated, and treated like expendable props. It’s not new, but it’s so important we keep talking about it. From Spice Girls’ Mel B being labeled the “scary one” to Normani getting cyberbullied into hiding on Twitter, the pattern is clear: Black women in girl groups are constantly side-eyed, sidelined, or silenced. Even Manon Bannerman’s recent hiatus from Katseye reignited the conversation, proving this isn’t a one-off drama.
Leigh-Anne’s been vocal about this for years, especially in her doc Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop & Power, where she laid it all out—racism in the industry isn’t just a “thing,” it’s a system. She’s not just talking about her own experience; she’s calling out the whole industry for normalizing this behavior. And honestly, it’s not just about being “too much” or “too loud.” It’s about being seen as a threat to the group’s image or marketability. Black girls in girl groups are often forced to code-switch, downplay their power, or even apologize for existing. But Leigh-Anne’s message is clear: don’t lose your identity. You’re not here to be a side note. You’re the main event.
Now, the real question: where’s the support? Manon followed Normani and Leigh-Anne on Instagram—maybe a sign that a new era of solidarity is starting? But it’s still early. The key is creating spaces where Black girls in girl groups can thrive without feeling like they have to apologize for their culture or ambition. It’s about amplifying their voices, not just tolerating them. Leigh-Anne’s advice? Stay grounded, speak up, and never let anyone tell you your worth is tied to your color or your role in a group.
So, what’s your take? Have you seen this in your group or industry? Let’s chat below!
❓ People Also Ask
Why are Black girls in girl groups often treated unfairly?
Black girls in girl groups are often gaslit, underestimated, and treated as expendable props, facing cyberbullying, sidelining, and stereotypes like being labeled “scary” or silenced.
What did Leigh-Anne from Little Mix highlight about Black girls in girl groups?
Leigh-Anne highlighted how Black members are frequently side-eyed, underestimated, and treated as props, with systemic issues like gaslighting and exclusion persisting in the industry.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇