X Factor responds after Misha B says show left her suicidal over 'bullying' allegations

Singer was hounded by accusations that she was ‘mean’ and ‘over-confident’ during her time on the show

X Factor showrunners have issued a statement after singer Misha B recalled how allegations of “bullying” caused her considerable distress.

Misha appeared as a contestant on the show in 2011 when she was 19. During the competition, she was told that she had “an attitude” by then-judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh.

Walsh also alleged that contestants in his category had come to him with complaints about her behaviour, and expresed concern that she could become “too over-confident” as a performer.

As a result of the incident, Misha was dubbed “Misha Bully” in the tabloid press, and the story followed her throughout her time on the series.

Speaking on Instagram Live, Misha B claimed that a rival contestant on the show had spread malicious gossip about her to Walsh and other contestants – including eventual winners Little Mix.

She also said that “when those allegations and all that f**kery happened, I was on the coach. I was on my own, I decided to sit on my own I just needed time to breathe”.

She continued: “I just remember thinking of ways to end my own life. We arrived back at the mansion and all I could think about was running away. Just getting out of there.”

An X Factor spokesperson told Metro: “We are very concerned to hear Misha’s comments regarding her experience on The X Factor in 2011.

“We are currently looking into this matter and are reaching out to Misha to discuss the important issues she has raised.

“The welfare of contestants is our priority and we are committed to diversity and equality.”

Misha’s Instagram post comes amid the resurfacing of a clip that shows Walsh groping former Spice Girls singer Mel B during an interview for the Xtra Factor segment of the show.

Since The X Factor, Misha has been nominated for a Mobo award and released two EPs and a number of singles, including 2019’s “Letter to My siStars”.

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