I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and The X Factor star Fleur East has spoken about her experience as a woman of colour starting out in the entertainment industry, and how she had to fight to keep her natural hair.
The singer and radio host was talking to Hello! magazine about how she almost cried attending an "amazing" Black Lives Matter demonstration, as she spoke about her struggle to say authentic.
"When I went into The X Factor, one thing that I really didn't want to compromise on was my hair," she said.
Related: I'm a Celebrity's Fleur East opens up about her split from Syco
"That, to me, is a representation of me, my colour and my culture, and I believe that should be celebrated. When I went into the jungle a lot of people asked if I was going to braid my hair down, saying I couldn't have my afro out in the jungle.
"But I wanted to have it out and wear it proudly. I've been to shows where backstage I've met young black and mixed race kids whose parents have said, 'Thank you so much Fleur, for wearing your hair proudly and for speaking about your culture and your roots. Because my child has someone to look up to.' And that is so important.
"I was in a group before The X Factor and I was told to straighten my hair, that I wouldn't be able to sell if I had my natural hair."
Related: X Factor star Misha B accuses the show of creating bullying storyline that left her suicidal
Fleur did change her trademark hairstyle for some wavy locks for a time last year, but it was on her own terms rather than being forced to.
Elsewhere in the interview, Fleur spoke about celebrating her one-year wedding anniversary to husband Marcel.
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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