Tulisa Contostavlos, renowned for her role in N-Dubz and as a former X Factor judge. She has faced significant personal challenges, including a leaked sex tape, health issues, and a high-profile drugs trial.
The Leaked Sex Tape
In 2012, at the height of her fame, a private clip of Tulisa with her then boyfriend, Justin Edwards, was posted online. The incident left her feeling “judged, disgusting and ashamed,” calling the experience “virtual rape.” The UK did not then have specific laws against revenge porn, and Edwards was not prosecuted. But Tulisa took civil action and Edwards admitted his role and publicly apologized.
Health Challenges
Chatting on the show, Tulisa shared that she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy in 2020, which leads to temporary facial paralysis. Based on this diagnosis, she began using fillers to try and fix facial asymmetry, leading to speculation in the media about her appearance. She was also plagued by chronically infected cysts in her cheek that became painfully painful and required multiple operations.
The Drugs Trial
In 2013, Tulisa was accused of facilitating a cocaine deal after controversial undercover journalist Mazher Mahmood, the “Fake Sheikh,” set her up. She was accused of supplying Class A drugs, which can carry a four-year prison sentence. But he had tampered with evidence, and the case collapsed during a 2014 trial. Tulisa dubbed this time the moment her “life fell apart,” losing endorsements and receiving public backlash.
Return to the Public Eye
Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos has enjoyed a comeback in the public domain, taking part in “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!” Public support and admiration for her resilience and candor about her struggles remained.
However, the adversity not taken in its stride painted a relatively ugly portrait of tulia that still torments her; ushering her towards showcasing her, unexpected and resilient demeanor.
