Leigh-Anne Pinnock Responds to Troll Comparing Streaming Numbers to Jade Thirlwall
The singer defended her career legacy after a social media user criticized her and her former bandmate.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock has publicly addressed a social media troll who attempted to compare her music streaming numbers to those of her former Little Mix bandmate Jade Thirlwall.
The "Celebrity Traitors" star responded on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday after a user posted a comparison of their streaming statistics. The troll's post stated, "See what happens when you're a positive encouraging role model to younger girl groups vs a flop that loves drama."
Pinnock, 35, replied in the comments, asserting her career achievements and dismissing the troll's commentary. "Ok I don't usually respond to trolls because I'm generally too busy being a mum, a wife and just being iconic," she wrote. "But as I sit here in my mansion by the fire, lapping up the fact that I've broken records, defied expectations, sold millions of records worldwide and helped define an entire era of British pop music, I can't help but smile.
"15 years in this industry, a successful solo career and still making history. I'm LEGACY status. A daily streaming figure could never define that."
Pinnock and Thirlwall were founding members of the girl group Little Mix, formed in 2011 after appearing on "The X Factor." The group, which also included Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson, achieved significant international success.
In other recent television appearances, Pinnock and actress Miranda Hart drew praise from "Celebrity Traitors" viewers for a dance sequence. Fans called their attempt at performing a Little Mix move from the band's hit "Touch" a "TV moment of the year," particularly due to the comedic juxtaposition with other contestants plotting a murder within the game. While Pinnock and Hart were engrossed in their choreography lesson, other contestants were strategizing to eliminate a player through a "murder in plain sight" task that involved attempting to bore the target.
Pinnock's response highlights a common practice among some online users to create rivalries between artists, particularly women in the music industry, by focusing on metrics like streaming numbers. Her statement emphasizes a broader view of artistic success, encompassing longevity, impact, and personal fulfillment beyond immediate data points.