NEWS
Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson has asked the public for help after her car, which had vital medical equipment for her daughters inside, was taken.
The singer shared back in January that her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an uncommon genetic illness that leads to gradual muscle weakness.
She has spoken honestly about how difficult it has been adjusting to caring for her children, and has since used her platform to raise awareness for SMA. On Sunday (April 19), she explained that some of the key equipment she relies on to care for her daughters is now missing after her vehicle was stolen from outside her home.
Posting on her Instagram Stories, Nelson said her black Land Rover Defender with the registration JJ73SSY was taken from her driveway “in the early hours of the morning” in Brentwood, Essex.
“Please if any of you have seen or know of any information, can you DM me or contact the police,” she wrote. “I have so much of my girls’ hospital equipment in that car that’s really needed.”
When she first opened up about her daughters’ diagnosis in January, she described it as “the most gruelling three, four months and endless appointments”, before confirming doctors had told her the twins have “SMA type 1”.
“It does affect every muscle in the body, down to legs, arms, breathing, swallowing,” she said, adding that both daughters were having trouble feeding and were unable to move their legs freely.
Nelson also shared that doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital told her the girls were “probably never going to be able to walk. They probably will never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled.”
In April, she marked a major step forward after the government confirmed that newborn screening for SMA will begin in October this year, earlier than the originally planned 2027 rollout. “We need to keep pushing to make sure every baby has the opportunity to have this heel prick test at birth,” she said.
According to the charity SMA UK, around 47 babies in the UK were born with the condition in 2024, while about one in 40 people are believed to carry the gene linked to the disease.
Nelson left Little Mix in 2020, explaining that being part of the group had taken a “toll” on her mental health. She later launched her solo career with her debut single ‘Boyz’ featuring Nicki Minaj in 2021, followed by ‘Bad Thing’ in 2023.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
