As the first single of Jesy Nelson, ‘Boyz’ released, she came under heavy criticism for ‘Blackfishing.’ However, Nicki Minaj, who is also featured in the music video, comes in support of Nelson and asks the accusers to “Y’all gotta stop,” in an Instagram post.
Blackfishing is a word used to describe people who pretend to be people of color.
Nicki’s strong support was not limited to Instagram, as she tweeted, “If you know someone has been suicidal from bullying in the past, why try to get a bunch of people to bully them again about something else?”
The Duo appeared in a promotional live video for Nelson’s new first single on Instagram. On which, Nelson said, “in a group with two women of color for nine years,” but the topic never came up until they recorded their last video together – Sweet Melody.
She further tried to explain how one of her Little Mix bandmates messaged her, but was cut by Nicki who stated, “focus on your own energy.”
The backlash came after the video was released, in which Jesy is seen fully tanned with curly wigs, wearing basketball shorts, and sporting gold color teeth while talking about wanting a guy who is “so hood, so good, so damn taboo”.
According to public opinion, a white individual mustn’t portray or profit from imitating Black characteristics, which are looked down upon when a black person does it.
However, Jesy explained her stance over it, “My intention is never to offend people of color with this video and my song.
“When I was in the video with [Nicki], I didn’t even have any fake tan on. I’d been in Antigua prior to that for three weeks.
“I’m just really lucky that as a white girl, when I’m in the sun I tan so dark.
“My hair’s naturally curly, I’ve always had curly hair. I wanted to get a wig that emulated the same texture as my hair, I genuinely didn’t think I was doing anything wrong.”
