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Nelly Furtado Opens Up About Past Abusive Relationship and Shares Powerful Message at Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall

Nelly Furtado
Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado lit up the stage at the Boardmasters Festival in Cornwall this past Saturday, looking absolutely radiant.

The 47-year-old singer, best known for hits like I’m Like a Bird, wowed fans with her stylish festival look, rocking ruffled khaki hotpants paired with a green wrap-around top and matching scarf.

Festival Style with a Fun Twist

Nelly added a pop of contrast with her white cowboy boots, which perfectly complemented her outfit as she confidently strutted across the stage.

Tinted black-green sunglasses and bold statement jewelry completed her look, making it clear she was enjoying every minute of her performance.

While the full setlist from her show hasn’t been revealed yet, she has recently been performing fan favorites like Say It Right, Maneater, I’m Like a Bird, and All Good Things (Come to an End).

Sharing the Stage with Big Names

Boardmasters is known for attracting big names, and this year is no exception.

Alongside Nelly, The Prodigy are set to headline on Sunday night, making it a festival full of excitement and energy.

Opening Up About a Difficult Past

Nelly’s confident appearance at the festival comes after she courageously opened up about her experience in a past abusive relationship with an undisclosed partner.

She described that chapter of her life as “toxic,” explaining how complicated feelings like fear and love can trap someone in a harmful dynamic.

She shared her insight on the Call Her Daddy podcast, revealing how hard it can be to even tell friends the truth about what’s going on in your life during such times.

The Sacrifices Women Sometimes Make in Love

Reflecting on her experience, Nelly pointed out that women often sacrifice their happiness when they fall deeply in love.

“I went through a very difficult time where I think I accepted some things I would never accept now,” she said, opening up about how hard it is to see clearly when you’re caught in a tough situation.

She also highlighted how motherhood can make women especially vulnerable, because of the instinct to protect their children and do what’s best for them.

Life as a Mom and a Survivor

Nelly is a mother of three: her daughter Nevis, 21, from her relationship with ex-boyfriend Jasper Gahunia, and two younger children—a son and a daughter—whose names she keeps private with rapper Jerry (Gerard Damien Long).

She was also married to sound engineer Demacio Castellon from 2008 to 2016.

On the podcast, she emphasized that feeling powerless can happen to anyone, regardless of money or resources.

“Your mind is your true wealth,” she said, explaining how difficult it can be to break free from toxic or abusive situations when you don’t feel strong or clear enough.

Nelly’s Advice to Women Facing Tough Situations

To women who might be in similar situations, Nelly offers heartfelt advice: listen to the people around you who tell you what you don’t want to hear.

Those voices are often the ones who truly care and want to help, without judgment or blame.

Her words are a powerful reminder that support systems matter — and sometimes, the truth from those who love you most is the key to breaking free.