Pop singer and TV presenter Tulisa has denied accusations of racism and bullying made against her by Misha B, a contestant on talent show The X Factor. Tulisa appeared on the show as a judge in 2011 and 2012. Speaking on Instagram last weekend, Misha B, who came fourth in the 2011 series, said that the show’s producers, Tulisa, and fellow judge Louis Walsh had a “corrupted agenda” to frame her as a bully. “I remember thinking of ways to end my own life, ways I could end the pain,” she said. During the show, Tulisa told Misha B on camera: “You being so feisty can come off as quite mean to other contestants and I’ve been told that there’s been mean comments towards them … I think you’re going to be amazing, just put aside the attitude.” On Instagram, Misha B said: “I know that I’m not the only one who has heard those words – feisty, mean. These are common words people use to describe black women … I was aware that they were going to throw this angry black girl narrative at me.” She also said the show “created this whole narrative of me being over confident, because you are black and black girls are not supposed to be confident”. Tulisa has responded by writing on Instagram: “I have witnessed black people being torn down in the industry, especially black women. It is a very real and serious issue. But my issue at that time was a response to actions, and was in no way shape or form about race. I have never and will never take part in any oppressive or racist agenda.” In an accompanying video, she said: “One thing I regret is calling her out publicly … that I am truly sorry for. But to say and make claims … that it was racially motivated is ludicrous. “There had been an accumulation of things that Misha had done to other contestants, and my contestants, backstage. She had made two of my acts cry. One of them being on the night that I made those comments … I called a lot of people out on that show … it’s not to do with skin colour.” Misha B reached No 11 with her debut single Home Run in 2012, and reached No 9 with its follow-up Do You Think of Me? She continues to record, with the single Letter to My siStars released in 2019. • In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.