Little Mix star Leigh-Anne says she was scared to speak out on racism

Photo credit: Mike Marsland – Getty Images

Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has admitted that she was scared to speak out on racism in the past.

The star is releasing a documentary on the BBC titled Race, Pop & Power this Thursday (May 13) and uploaded a passionate speech in the wake of George Floyd’s killing last year, but she didn’t always feel confident enough to make her voice heard.

“I was really scared actually,” she told Metro. “I was scared people wouldn’t understand because I feel like with racism if you don’t experience it, how are you ever going to really get it?

Photo credit: Mike Marsland – Getty Images

“I was also scared to lose fans, of offending fans, because that’s not what I’m trying to do at all – I just wanted to address how I felt. I was really scared.”

Now that the documentary is coming out, her feelings have changed.

“I’ve never felt so empowered and it makes me feel so much better knowing that the whole world is having this conversation,” she said. “It’s not just behind closed doors, it’s not just on a Sunday with my family – everyone is having it.

Photo credit: @leighannepinnock – Instagram

“I’m having [conversations] with my white friends who I would never have done before. It’s amazing to know that things are going in the right direction but we have a long way to go.”

Leigh-Anne recently announced that she was expecting her first child, while Perrie Edwards also announced her pregnancy today (May 10).

Leigh-Anne’s documentary Race, Pop & Power will air on BBC One this Thursday at 9pm.

For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.

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