The comparisons to Geri are interesting as Geri's exit was certainly mental health related aswell however back in 98 mental health wasn't the open thing it is today.

Sometimes it just gets "too much" and you need to have time out.

I'd even read reports (although, probably unfounded) that Taylor Swift too was quite cold to Jesy back in 2015 (when they played at one of her US dates) compared to being chatty with the other 3.

They are NOTHING without Jesy. This reminds me of Geri's dep from the SG. Yes, they had the odd #1 single and hit album after ....but it wasn't the same. The SG would've carried on just fine had Mel C or Posh left. But Mel B, Emma and Geri were the CORE that were the SG.

In a similar vein, when I think of LM and their X Factor days.... they became popular because of their down to earth appeal, especially highlighted in Jesy. She wasn't the perfect petite popstar. She was a regular middle class girl without the looks or body that succeeded based on talent. I'm not saying the others weren't, they were as middle class and "normal" as Jesy was, but Jesy was the one people identified with the most. She was the face of the "brand" that became LM - a good female vocal quartet.

I'm sure LM would've happily marched on if Perry had left. She remains somewhat devoid of persona, falls into the "pretty petite white girl" bucket. But Jesy IS brand-LM.

On a personal level, I wish her the best. She's worked so hard for her success through the obesity headlines, the bullying, everything. I always felt she had it the hardest in this group.

As for LM: they can carry on as a trio for max, another album. Or they can replace her, but they'll end up becoming a generic revolving door band like Sugababes.

This whole post is unnecessary on so many levels

Agree! I was sick of all the backlash that faced poor Geri at the time. I'm thinking in my head "if you all say you're truly SG fans, then think about her". It couldn't have been easy for Jesy being in a room with 3 other girls that always got more media attention than her. I'd even read reports (although, probably unfounded) that Taylor Swift too was quite cold to Jesy back in 2015 (when they played at one of her US dates) compared to being chatty with the other 3. Regardless of all the talk that is diversity and inclusion and treating all with respect, etc. etc.... we're still a world driven largely by OPTICS. No wonder all of this took a toll on poor Jesy.

I feel like Jesy has more media attention than the other girls if I'm honest. She was lots of fans favourite member.

I do feel like you could tell she wasn't happy anymore in certain clips, Radio 1 Live Lounge really highlighted she was struggling.

Love Jesy and gutted she has left, It's a shame the girls couldn't have given Little Mix a break for a couple of years and come back after exploring solo projects, perhaps Jesy would have felt more comfortable.

Obviously her main priority is her health but I hope she realises what a huge part of Little Mix she was and the trolls were such a small percentage in comparison to the love her fans and general public had for her.
It's a shame all round as this album seems to have got them back on track.

it was inevitable she was leaving, i think they were just giving her time to properly decide what she wanted to do.

if it makes her happy + keeps her healthy then that's the best anybody can wish for her. she's 100% going solo, it's written all over her statement.
it's clear she didn't like the pressures of having to conform to a certain look, sing certain music + the constant backlash she received was ultimately not worth it for her in the end.
i think, on her terms, she'll have a different take on it all. she'll be the driving force + she can do what she wants, however she wants to do it.

one thing that intrigued me is her message to the girls, it left me a little cold. thanking them + hoping they'll fulfil all of their dreams, making music people love?
the lack of something along the lines of "thanks for your support, you're my sisters, i love you etc" feels a little odd to me.