How Jesy Nelson’s Bad Thing Video Worked with Women’s Aid
The creative team, message and support resources behind Jesy Nelson’s 2023 Bad Thing music video.
A song and short film
Jesy released Bad Thing independently on 14 April 2023. The official video was directed by Charlie Sarsfield and produced by Untold Studios. Its story depicts a relationship affected by coercion and domestic abuse.
Rather than treating the subject as a dramatic backdrop, the production consulted Women’s Aid. The organisation helped the team represent warning signs more accurately and connect the video to support information.
Why the collaboration mattered
Music videos reach audiences who may not be looking for formal information about abuse. The Bad Thing campaign used that reach to encourage recognition of controlling behaviour and to point viewers toward specialist help.
Jesy also released an acoustic performance and a behind-the-scenes film. Those videos show both the musical arrangement and the production process around the main short film.
Support
The video contains themes that may be distressing. If you are in the UK and need information or support relating to domestic abuse, Women’s Aid provides confidential resources and a directory of local services. If you are in immediate danger, contact the emergency services in your country.
The personal stories of viewers should never be inferred from engagement with the song. The video’s role is to open a conversation and direct people toward qualified support.