With the world at large in deep debate about racial injustice, so too is the entertainment industry.

Recent weeks have seen a number of Black artists step forward and bravely share their experiences of racism. And, in the UK, one of the most notable has come courtesy of singer Misha B. 

The songbird soared into public favour as a contestant on the 2011 edition of The X Factor UK. Yet, she was prevented from scaling to higher heights when she was branded a bully on live television by judge Tulisa Contostavlos over an unsubstantiated backstage situation. She was also blemished with accusations of being “feisty” and having an “attitude” that ought to be tamed. Again, without substantiation.

In an emotional video, Misha went on to unpack more of the behind the scenes happenings that she says were drenched in racial bias and left her feeling suicidal.

Upon Misha’s tearful account hitting headlines, Tulisa issued a fiery response that seemed unsure as to whether it sympathised or blamed the Manchester talent.

Branded tone-deaf, it didn’t seem to take into consideration the long-established stereotypes attached to Black women nor the pain it continues to cause.

Now, the N-Dubz front-woman is changing her tone. For, in a new written statement, she acknowledges and apologises for her role in the melee.

Her words below…

Time will tell how this received.

Check out Misha’s initial posts below…

View this post on Instagram

 

I’m just going to leave this here. I have received many calls and messages throughout the last couple of months regarding this incident. I have been in two minds of whether to address it, simply because I know that this problem is a lot bigger than me and I wanted to focus solely on the current affairs. Seeing the continuous mistreatment of my brothers and sisters all around the world has reawakened the PTSD that I have worked tirelessly to uproot and I know I do not stand alone on this. In 2011 what I thought at the time would be the best opportunity for me, turned out to be the most painful experience of my life. What you see in this video is 1% of what I endured. They saw an opportunity to tear down a black girl that came from a broken home and worked together to assassinate my character and to sabotage my career by orchestrating lies. ALL FOR A HEAD LINE. Nonetheless today and everyday I am a powerful black woman. I have been aware since I was a child, that my unapologetic nature would offend those that do not feel comfortable in their own skin…. Which results in this kind of behaviour. But In the words of our late great Maya Angelou STILL I RISE 🦋✊🏿 Please join me on Instagram live tonight @ 9pm where I will be talking about my experiences further. I want to make it clear that I share my truth only to educate and uplift. LOVE, m i S h a

A post shared by m i S h a (@iammisha_b) on Jun 14, 2020 at 9:09am PDT

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by m i S h a (@iammisha_b) on Jun 14, 2020 at 2:08pm PDT

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