“Diversity is so important, and I want my children to be able to watch TV and see themselves and at the minute it’s not good enough.”
Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has revealed that she felt “scared” to call out racism.
The pop star spoke candidly about her experiences ahead of the upcoming documentary Leigh-Anne: Race, Power and Pop.
The Little Mix star spoke to the Press Association about how she eventually came to the decision to call out the discrimination she has faced in the pop music industry.
“I was really scared, actually, about speaking out, which is why I feel like I didn’t for so many years,” she said.
“I feel like, with racism, if you don’t experience it, how are you ever going to really get it and feel it and understand it?”
She continued: “Also, I was scared to lose fans. I was scared of offending fans because that’s not what I’m trying to do at all. I literally just wanted to address how I felt.”
Leigh-Anne went on to say that she now feels “empowered” since speaking publicly about the racism she has endured.
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“It just makes me feel so much better knowing the whole world is having this conversation,” she said. “It’s not just behind closed doors with my family.”
The singer spoke about how racism is a conversation she’s having with her white friends.
“It’s amazing to know that things are going in the right direction,” she said.
“When I walk into work and I see a predominantly white room, I’m like, ‘But why?’
“It doesn’t need to be like this. There are Black people that can do these jobs and should be having these opportunities as well.
“For me, diversity is so important and I want my children to be to able watch TV and see themselves and at the minute it’s not good enough.”
Just last week, Leigh-Anne announced that she was expecting her first child in a stunning photoshoot.
“We’ve dreamed about this moment for so long and we can’t believe the dream is finally coming true,” she wrote in her caption. “We can’t wait to meet you.”
Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop and Power airs this Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.
