X Factor Emily withdraws from Top 10

I didn’t realise that X Factor was down to the final 9 until I tuned in to ITV last night to see the live show where Dermot O’Leary announced that the youngest contestant, Emily Nakanda, had withdrawn from the competition. It turns out that a video showing Emily allegedly attacking a teenage girl had emerged and, following this, Emily’s family took the decision to withdraw her from the show. Earlier in the week, another video emerged of Emily with her friends, laughing at and threatening a teenager. One of the group was carrying what appeared to be a weapon.

I was shocked, even horrified, to learn about this side of Emily. Seeing her on X Factor, I imagined her to be a timid, shy little teenager who probably stayed at home most evenings singing songs in her bedroom, dreaming of a life as a pop star. I guess I’m not that good a judge of character. Her mother said that although Emily regrets her actions, there was no way her behaviour could be excused. Well done mum! It’s become more and more common for parents these days to justify their children’s actions no matter what they have done. That’s why they become even more notorious living under the belief (false or otherwise) that no one can touch them. But what Emily’s family have done is commendable. Let’s hope she will learn from this and change her ways.