Jill O'Rourke
Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
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| February 17, 2024 SIGN IN TO SAVE POST
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesReading Time: 2 minutes
Former XOMG POP! member Leigha Sanderson and her mother Anjie recently gave a tell-all interview to Rolling Stone accusing JoJo Siwa and her mother Jessalynn of cruel treatment and unfair compensation.
Former XOMG POP! Member Gives Tell-All Interview
Leigha Sanderson appeared on the 2021 reality show Siwas Dance Pop Revolution, during which she became a member of the girl group XOMG POP! Leigha, who is now 16, left the group in May of 2023. According to her and her mother Anjie, she was fired via text by Jessalynn Siwa.
The Sandersons, as well as other sources, have accused the Siwas of putting the group members through long rehearsals, sometimes skipping school breaks. They also claim that Leigha, who was born with spina bifida, was encouraged to shoot a music video just weeks after she underwent surgery.
Days before that surgery, they also claim that Leigha started bleeding from her belly button during a rehearsal for the Children’s and Family Emmys, hosted by JoJo. They allege that instead of letting her take a break, Jessalynn told Leigha to put a maxi pad on her belly so she wouldn’t bleed into her costume.
The Sandersons have also accused JoJo of domineering behavior, claiming she screamed negative comments at the group members during a performance and pitted the girls against each other. Additionally, they say they were not properly compensated for Leigha’s work as part of the group, including for merchandise using her image after she left.
SEE ALSO: XOMG POP! DROPS THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR THEIR NEW HOLIDAY SONG ‘SANTA’
The Siwas Deny the Allegations
According to Rolling Stone, the Siwas have denied the allegations through their attorney Bryan Freedman. In fact, they claim that Anjie Sanderson was the abusive one, saying that “a disgruntled momager’s own abusive behavior caused for her daughter to be asked not to return to the group.”
Anjie claims that in May of 2023, she confronted the other mothers and the group’s teacher about the grueling hours. When Jessalynn found out, she apparently texted Anjie demanding she apologize. Days later, Jessalynn fired Leigha in another text obtained by Rolling Stone.
Leigha isn’t the only group member to disappear. Four out of the group’s original seven members have left. Last October, Penelope LeMieux joined the group as the new fourth member. The group is planning to go on tour this summer.
After her firing, Leigh struggled with depression, as well as her physical health. However, she’s now back in school full-time and has started dancing again. As she said of her time in XOMG POP!, “It’s like, they use you. And then they throw you in the trash.”
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