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Jesy Nelson's ex Zion Foster hits back at claims he abandoned their kids

A man with dreadlocks smiles at two babies in infant seats, both with medical tubes taped to their faces, sitting in front of a small cake that says 'Happy 1st'.

Published by Cover Media

16 Jul 2026

Jesy Nelson's former fiancé Zion Foster has hit back at claims he's abandoned their twin daughters.

Earlier this year, the former couple's children, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were diagnosed with severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare progressive muscle weakness condition which can be fatal if left untreated.

Foster recently admitted to feeling out of his depth following the news, but on Wednesday, he took to social media to clarify his comments and defend his parenting.

"I've stayed quiet because my focus has always been where it should be, on my children," he wrote on Instagram.

"Reading some of the comments over the last few days has been incredibly painful because they simply aren't true. When I said I was 'out of my depth' I wasn't saying I was walking away from my children or abandoning my responsibilities as a father."

Foster made the statement ahead of the release of Nelson's latest TV show, Jesy Nelson: Life Changing.

The 60-minute documentary, set to stream on Prime Video from 17 July, will follow the former Little Mix singer in the wake of the diagnosis and her subsequent mission to raise awareness about SMA.

Although Foster has kept a low profile in recent months, his Instagram message made it clear he remains devoted to his children, who were born prematurely in May 2025.

"Being out of my depth meant I was learning," the musician continued. "It meant I was trying to understand. I never meant I didn't love my daughters or that I wasn't going to be there for them. I love my girls more than words could ever express. They are my world and always will be."

In the lengthy message, Foster also claimed Nelson was the one to end their relationship earlier this year.

Following the split, Foster insisted he has continued to attend medical appointments, educate himself on SMA and support his children in "every way" possible following the "heartbreaking" diagnosis.

"Please don't mistake vulnerability for abandonment," he urged. "Asking for help or admitting you don't have all the answers doesn't make someone a (bad) father. It makes them human."

Nelson has become a vocal campaigner in raising awareness for SMA since the diagnosis.

As she promoted her new documentary, the 35-year-old singer vowed to continue fighting for better SMA screening procedures.

"This is truly the most heartbreaking series I've ever had to make, and I urge you all to watch it," Nelson wrote on Instagram this week.

"No future babies born with SMA should have to live their lives like this, i am so grateful for all of your continued support and I will keep on shouting about this until change is made."

Published by Cover Media

16 Jul 2026