Camila Cabello is sharing her side of the story. The 19-year-old singer issued a statement on her social media accounts on Monday, December 19, denying Fifth Harmony's icy announcement that she had informed her former bandmates "via her representatives" that she was leaving the group. In the note, the budding solo artist said she had many conversations with the girls about her future plans, and didn't want her exit to end the way it did.
"When I turned 15, I had the blessing of being put into a group with four very talented girls," Cabello wrote on Twitter. "We were 5 strangers that weren't even aware of each other's existence that were given a shot at one dream together. It's been almost 5 years and the most important chapter of my life thus far. I am so proud of everything we've achieved together as a group and will always be proud of being a part of it."
"I was shocked to read the statement the Fifth Harmony account posted without my knowing," she continued. "The girls were aware of my feelings through the long, much needed conversations about the future that we had during tour. Saying that they were just informed through my representatives that I was 'leaving the group' is simply not true. Just like the other girls said in their statement about their plans, I had also planned to continue with my own solo endeavors in the new year but I did not intend to end things with Fifth Harmony this way. As sad as it is to see this chapter ending this way, I will continue to root them all on as individuals and as a group, I wish nothing but the best for them, all the success in the world and true happiness."
"Just as I said to them during those conversations, and just like I try to encourage you guys, I want to lead by example when I say to each of you guys to be courageous in the pursuit of what makes your heart pound and what makes you come alive with purpose," Cabello wrote. "Our happiness is our own responsibility. … New chapters are scary, but conforming to what's safe and looking back with regret is even scarier."
The "Bad Things" singer concluded her statement by telling fans that she plans to start working on solo music next year. "You took 5 ordinary girls and made their dreams come true- and together, us and you guys, we've written an amazing story- of girls from all different cultures, backgrounds, colors, shapes, languages, music tastes, all going for one dream- a dream I will never forget," she wrote of her former bandmates, who got their start on The X Factor in 2012. "The memories we've made together will last a life time. ... I hope to see you on my journey."
After Fifth Harmony issued its statement, fans took to social media to respond to the group's bold, shade-filled language, which suggested that Cabello isn't "strong" or "committed" like fellow members Dinah Jane, Normani Kordei, Ally Brooke and Lauren Jauregui.