Ella Henderson's management team have defended her decision to perform at the Tory party conference following immense backlash from her LGBTQ+ fanbase.
The former X Factor star, 26, found herself in the eye of a vicious storm on social media after she appeared at the Conservative conference just weeks after performing at several Pride events across the UK.
The Ghost hit-maker performed at a fringe event at the Birmingham Conservative Party Conference, put on by TikTok and UK Music, but Ella was slammed by a large amount of her fanbase as some questioned why she would associate herself with a political party who some claim 'do not sympathise with the LGBTQ+ community'.
Following the backlash, a spokesperson for UK Music – who organised Ella's appearance at the event – said her attendance at the events do not indicate political affiliation.
"Ella Henderson performed as guest of UK Music and TikTok at the Conservative Party Conference, following a similar event at the Labour Party Conference the week before. Ella was due to perform at the Labour Party Conference as well but had to pull out due to illness," the statement read.
"These events do not indicate political affiliation and are held to highlight the importance of the UK's music sector and the success of our talent on a global stage.
"It's vital that those in government and opposition appreciate the importance of the UK music industry both economically and culturally and that's why UK Music – which is the representative body for the sector – exists and works on the industry's behalf."
Following Ella's appearance at the Tory event, she has been heavily criticised online.
"How disappointing. I saw Ella Henderson at Brighton Pride not two months ago, and she performed several other Pride gigs in the month of August. Disgusting of her to support the party which historically has, and currently seeks to, diminish LGBTQ+ rights in the UK," one unimpressed Twitter user wrote.
Another claimed Ella's music career was 'over' following the event as they tweeted: "Well that's you done chicken."
"Ella Henderson, I find it very interesting that you’ve performed at pride events this year and now an event for a group of people who are inherently transphobic and will not abolish extremely harmful conversion therapy. Good to know LGBTQ+ people were just a money maker for you," another furious fan tweeted.
While a fourth fumed: "Ella loves this hateful Tory lot. As someone who buys (rather than streams) music I will now delete her stuff and make sure not to buy anymore. Trust you will do likewise. What the actual hell is this world coming to?"
Elsewhere, others defended Ella's decision to appear at the event.
"Just because she sang at one event doesn't mean that she hates everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. She has done so much to support, so why tear her down over one thing? You lot need to all be a bit more compassionate," one social media user insisted.
"Totally agree. People love to turn on someone for the slightest thing. The girl needs to make a living too! We're all in a cost of living crisis and we all need to be a bit kinder to everyone around us," someone else agreed.
The Mirror has reached out to Ella's representatives for further comment.
