Adults should be able to respond to criticism. It's a mark of childishness or immaturity not to be able to, imo.

I see Leigh-Anne & Perrie from Little Mix, alongside a few members of The Risk have also gone ahead and liked Tulisa's post.

I mean, isn't it possible that Misha was difficult behind the scenes? Obviously it doesn't justify Tulisa/Louis/producers throwing her under the bus like that but if a few past contestants - including Leigh Anne who literally spoke about racism a few days ago - are supporting Tulisa's post then there's obviously more to it.

 

I know it's a sensitive subject and nobody wants to dare say anything negative about Misha...but it IS possible she was making other contestants cry. If she was being awful to people (Little Mix from the sounds of it) and they were approaching Tulisa for support, does it really make it an issue of race? Can't people 'fall out' and have drama without involving the colour of their skin into it? It wouldn't be racist to say Misha had a bad attitude. It wouldn't be racist to say the girls of Little Mix or Kitty Brucknell (who also posted a video saying Misha made it up) or Tulisa had an attitude.

 

People can be called out for their behaviour, especially if it's having a negative impact on others. The issue with Tulisa isn't that she stood up for her category and told Misha she had an attitude because to me, that's fair game. The issue is that she brought it up on live TV in front of millions when it had nothing to do with her performance and she KNEW that it would turn the public against her. She's admitted she shouldn't have done that and regrets it.

 

Misha did not deserve what happened to her but I also don't think it's wise to just act like she's 100% innocent and everyone else is an evil racist. We need to keep some perspective.

 

(No doubt I'll get called a racist for this post :rolleyes: It seems like the slightest criticism of a POC means you're only saying it because of their colour and not because of their personalities or behaviours)

 

EDIT - Also not to be pedantic but there's some hyperbole and exaggeration being used as well. Misha was never a favourite to win and wasn't doing that well in the voting so I wouldn't say that they 'ruined' her chances of winning. She got to the semi finals so let's not act like she was favourite to win and then suddenly eliminated the week after Tulisa's comments. She also got a record deal and two top 15 hit singles the next year. Again, it's not like she didn't get any support or be given a chance to release music because of it.

Edited June 16, 20205 yr by shadow2009

You're missing the point though. Gary Barlow's autobiography confirmed that the producers were setting Misha up and they wanted to portray her as the villain. Read this:

 

@1272424580607590401

 

It's extremely likely that Misha's story is true based on that, and that what Little Mix heard was simply hearsay to further the narrative. This meant Tulisa spoke about it live on air, Misha got the bad press, and the storyline was a huge success. I'm disappointed in Leigh-Anne and Perrie simply liking Tulisa's video and not saying something themselves, even more so when you consider how crappy a response Tulisa actually gave.

It's extremely likely that Misha's story is true based on that, and that what Little Mix heard was simply hearsay to further the narrative. This meant Tulisa spoke about it live on air, Misha got the bad press, and the storyline was a huge success. I'm disappointed in Leigh-Anne and Perrie simply liking Tulisa's video and not saying something themselves, even more so when you consider how crappy a response Tulisa actually gave.

But maybe Misha really was very unkind to Leigh-Anne and Perrie and they agreed with her being called out. We just don't know what went on. The fact that the producers told Louis and Tulisa to speak up on the show was undoubtedly awful and her treatment by them was almost certainly rooted in racism, but in terms of how Misha's behaviour actually was it's literally one person's word against another.

But maybe Misha really was very unkind to Leigh-Anne and Perrie and they agreed with her being called out. We just don't know what went on. The fact that the producers told Louis and Tulisa to speak up on the show was undoubtedly awful and her treatment by them was almost certainly rooted in racism, but in terms of how Misha's behaviour actually was it's literally one person's word against another.

Well in that case we need to hear Little Mix's side of the story then, because liking Tulisa's video and making that your only comment on the matter doesn't shape an argument. Ultimately it's whether Little Mix would say that Misha was rude to their faces, or whether they heard from other people that "Misha said you all smell really bad Lol" - the latter very strongly suggests production influence. Misha said she was completely shocked and quite honestly, it matches the story we know from Gary, but without any more details we simply don't know.

 

Besides, Tulisa was far more concerned about being seen as a racist. Anyone sensible knows she's not actively a racist, but that doesn't mean actions can't be rooted in racism. I strongly believe Tulisa wasn't intentionally racist, nor was Louis, but the actions of painting a confident, talented black woman as a bully is racism through and through! It's a shame that Leigh-Anne and Perrie have simply "liked" Tulisa's half-arsed response when Leigh especially has been so keen to speak up in favour of the Black Lives Matter movement (which is great to see) - the issue at hand has actually been ignored entirely.

I agree with some of shadow's post above, but at the same time, 'bullying' is much harsher than someone being difficult behind the scenes. Frankly, unless Misha was actively going out of her way to belittle, mock, and/or harass other contestants, that's not bullying in my eyes.

 

And even if she was, trying her for that in front of an audience of the general public instead of having a quiet word behind the scenes was not the way to go. They didn't treat Emily, from a few seasons prior, who actually WAS a bully and filmed herself assaulting someone else, that way.

 

As for her not being a favourite, bookies had her as 2nd fave behind Janet Devlin going in to the season, and she was comfortably in the top 5 of the vote until bully-gate. (Not to dismiss you out of hand, but I was following the season for the betting bc as said above, Sofabet was a great read and a good predictor of where the money lay!)

Besides, Tulisa was far more concerned about being seen as a racist. Anyone sensible knows she's not actively a racist, but that doesn't mean actions can't be rooted in racism. I strongly believe Tulisa wasn't intentionally racist, nor was Louis, but the actions of painting a confident, talented black woman as a bully is racism through and through! It's a shame that Leigh-Anne and Perrie have simply "liked" Tulisa's half-arsed response when Leigh especially has been so keen to speak up in favour of the Black Lives Matter movement (which is great to see) - the issue at hand has actually been ignored entirely.

Oh I completely agree with all the bold, but the only thing that's made me wonder IS them liking the post, surely they'd have come out in support of Misha like a few contestants from other series did if they thought her treatment was unfair, which I think we can all agree it was? I know Janet Devlin has.

Gahhhh I don't know how to say this but it's literally all speculation on my end lmao..

 

Is it possible that Misha was being a bit difficult behind the scenes, causing a few of the contestants to raise concerns to either Tulisa/Louis/Whoever is in charge of that sort of thing, to which the producers (assuming by Tulisa/Louis) were then told and decided to form that narrative of Misha (telling Tulisa and Louis the exact thing that Gary said - except they took the bait, unlike Gary who absolutely did the right thing) being a "bully".

 

---

 

I've come up with about 3 different situations now myself from everything we have heard, so there is literally no way of knowing of what really went on, unless someone else speaks out about the situation :lol: Little Mix speaking out would be perfect. They haven't been accused of anything in particular, except for being victims themselves in all the hearsay side of it all.

 

They literally celebrated Misha's single(s? - might have just been her debut) and Misha congratulated the girls on a great show during the 'Salute' tour. So I'm assuming they had all ironed whatever issues they personally had, out? I can't see Leigh (especially) liking Tulisa's post unless there was more to it, I'm sorry. I can't.

 

However, the issue with all of this is STILL there. Even if Misha had been difficult to work with, the producers still decided to run with the "Misha B is a bully" because that was the easiest way to character assassinate a confident, black woman. That is still racism.

 

Basically, I'll need to stop coming to my own conclusions until we get more info from people who were more directly involved.

I agree with some of shadow's post above, but at the same time, 'bullying' is much harsher than someone being difficult behind the scenes. Frankly, unless Misha was actively going out of her way to belittle, mock, and/or harass other contestants, that's not bullying in my eyes.

 

And even if she was, trying her for that in front of an audience of the general public instead of having a quiet word behind the scenes was not the way to go. They didn't treat Emily, from a few seasons prior, who actually WAS a bully and filmed herself assaulting someone else, that way.

 

As for her not being a favourite, bookies had her as 2nd fave behind Janet Devlin going in to the season, and she was comfortably in the top 5 of the vote until bully-gate. (Not to dismiss you out of hand, but I was following the season for the betting bc as said above, Sofabet was a great read and a good predictor of where the money lay!)

Second favourite isn't lead favourite, though. Where was she in the bookies on Week 3 (when the incident happened?). And again, top 5 in the vote isn't leading the votes.

 

I know it's VERY pedantic and I do agree with the rest of your post but it's very easy to just change the story slightly here and there to make things as dramatic and juicy as possible. Yes Tulisa/Louis/producers were trash for what they did, yes Misha was probably difficult backstage and yes there's much more to the story that we'll ever know but there's no need to make it sound even worse by implying the incident cost her a music deal and winning the X-Factor. She still finished in like fifth place (I think?) and got a record deal and had hit singles. Obviously things could have been different if Tulisa didn't have that outburst but we will never know for sure. Misha was very talented and there wasn't much competition (it was a weak year) and it does seem like such a minor thing but it is sort of dangerous how just a few words here and there and some slight hyperbole and exaggeration can twist things to make it more one sided.

 

I do agree with the first part that you said in that she probably wasn't a bully and that a bunch of teenagers (Misha/Little Mix/Amelia/Janet etc) living together is bound to cause drama and issues. It doesn't make anyone a bully. The only reason I am even trying to be impartial here is because of Leigh-Anne and Perrie supporting Tulisa's video. They're on good terms with Kelly Rowland, they had a good relationship with Misha after the show, they have a bond with Tulisa and probably are the most 'neutral' in the whole story and have had their own history of being bullied - Jesy - and dealing with racists - Leigh Anne - so if they take Tulisa's side then I think I'm more on the fence as well.

 

You're missing the point though. Gary Barlow's autobiography confirmed that the producers were setting Misha up and they wanted to portray her as the villain. Read this:

 

@1272424580607590401

 

It's extremely likely that Misha's story is true based on that, and that what Little Mix heard was simply hearsay to further the narrative. This meant Tulisa spoke about it live on air, Misha got the bad press, and the storyline was a huge success. I'm disappointed in Leigh-Anne and Perrie simply liking Tulisa's video and not saying something themselves, even more so when you consider how crappy a response Tulisa actually gave.

 

I didn't know this so thanks for sharing. That's so f***ed up. :(

Edited June 16, 20205 yr by shadow2009

I really want Alexandra to speak up about Strictly, the same for any other black women in reality shows really, like Tinashe on Dancing With The Stars! I literally made a tongue in cheek joke that she'd be "3rd out despite getting one of the best judges scores of the series because she's a black woman" or something and lo and behold... Also Normani was a victim of that too iirc (ofc she got further but I seem to recall she was thrown under the bus or something)?

 

We just have to look at our own royal family and the way everyone treated Kate vs how they treat Meghan (despite Kate doing the exact same/similar things!?)

I think there's a lot to unpack when it comes to misogynoir in reality shows, despite the fact that they might range from coincidental to blatant (Julianne Hough's treatment of Simone Biles comes to mind), and how production comes into play during these scenarios. I have a feeling that this was just the start and it will only snowball to other reality shows from here.

But maybe Misha really was very unkind to Leigh-Anne and Perrie and they agreed with her being called out. We just don't know what went on. The fact that the producers told Louis and Tulisa to speak up on the show was undoubtedly awful and her treatment by them was almost certainly rooted in racism, but in terms of how Misha's behaviour actually was it's literally one person's word against another.

Funny enough I’ve just looked and I think Perrie has unliked Tulisa’s post . Maybe she’s seen some of the backlash :lol:

 

Also to add Janet Devlin was in Misha’s live and wrote something like you were lovely to everyone still can’t believe what they done to you . Linked in with what Gary put in his book about the situation I really do believe Misha’s story tbh she has no reason to lie at all .

Edited June 16, 20205 yr by troylovesmusic

Funny enough I’ve just looked and I think Perrie has unliked Tulisa’s post . Maybe she’s seen some of the backlash :lol:

 

Also to add Janet Devlin was in Misha’s live and wrote something like you were lovely to everyone still can’t believe what they done to you . Linked in with what Gary put in his book about the situation I really do believe Misha’s story tbh she has no reason to lie at all .

 

Agreed; also Janet was seemingly thrown under the bus and treated like crap by the majority of judges when the lives hit. That series also had the Frankie Cocozza stuff too - you can probably see how 'producers' helped all that along in order to get headlines etc.

 

XF really was so toxic by that point, had been for years really and just got worse.

I really want Alexandra to speak up about Strictly, the same for any other black women in reality shows really, like Tinashe on Dancing With The Stars! I literally made a tongue in cheek joke that she'd be "3rd out despite getting one of the best judges scores of the series because she's a black woman" or something and lo and behold... Also Normani was a victim of that too iirc (ofc she got further but I seem to recall she was thrown under the bus or something)?

 

We just have to look at our own royal family and the way everyone treated Kate vs how they treat Meghan (despite Kate doing the exact same/similar things!?)

 

Yeah, we also had Adele who was out early on I'm A Celeb last year. I don't think there was really any reason for her to go, ok she was slightly quirky but I think racial prejudices and unconscious/conscious bias led to her going so early (I think she may have been first out, I can't quite remember but she definitely was out early).

 

Anyway, I hope from all of this more attention will be given to Misha's music as she has had some great songs out.

 

Shadow2009, I find myself agreeing with some of what you've written and Little Mix confirmed in a post-X Factor interview that there was some small issue but it was blown out of proportion.

 

Speaking of their run-ins with fellow contestant Misha B, the girl group admitted "a few things did happen" with the singer during their time in the competition.

 

Unsurprisingly, the singers fiercely defended their mentor Tulisa after she came in for criticism for pulling Misha B up on her behaviour live on air.

 

"We just want to clarify that it wasn't actually Tulisa who made the bullying accusation," Jade said.

 

"Tulisa just made a few comments and when she says something she means it - it wasn't in a vindictive way. If you want to say something you've got to say it," she added

 

But Perrie played down the reports of fallings out, saying they were "blown out of proportion".

 

"It was a mountain out of a mole hill that should have just blown over but it just kept creeping up," she said. "Since everyone started leaving the competition, we started becoming closer to her and she's an amazing performer."

 

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/13...K_r-a2uttidH9LJ

That does sound like PR speak they were told to say at the time though. It’s very much Boris Johnson ‘lets just move on’ speak. It would be interesting to see what they have to say now.

Yeah, we also had Adele who was out early on I'm A Celeb last year. I don't think there was really any reason for her to go, ok she was slightly quirky but I think racial prejudices and unconscious/conscious bias led to her going so early (I think she may have been first out, I can't quite remember but she definitely was out early).

 

Adele was barely shown though and one of the least known from that crop of Celebs. I guess that does play a part in things; especially for shows like IAC... although saying that looking back at the order of eliminations over the years for IAC there is a bit of a pattern, so you may have a point

Or was it simply that Adele was just not entertaining? Also that "argument" with Roman may have had some impact, which for the record was completely blown out of proportion imo.

Adele was by far the least known person to the GP on I’m A Celeb though she done Big Brother like 17 years prior she was in there with people who were very much always either on TV or in the media.

 

It wasn’t racially motivated that she was first out at all. Plus she didn’t help herself with the Jane McDonald picture :lol:

Alexandra Burke posted her experience as well and I almost got emotional watching it.

 

Tulisa has come out with another post regarding Misha there's 8 parts .

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

Well this is better than the ridiculous video she put out but I can't help but feel she's only doing this cause of the backlash her first video response got..

Edited June 23, 20205 yr by Soapsfan20

Yeah that’s Tulisa PR person working on overtime