[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by *Kate*

I find it quite sad that you have no sympathy/empathy towards him.

I think its good he brings it into the open, and doesn't feel ashamed. I'm very very open now about the fact I suffered in an abusive relationship for a long time, although I used to feel ashamed of it and sometimes that people would think it was my own fault. I'm also used to people thinking I put it out there for sympathy and/or attention. If they want to think that its fine. I just think, why should it be hidden, awareness needs to be raised of this type of thing.

Jahmene is a bit of an emotional basket case - you can see it in his eyes, and my god can I identify with that. At first, before I knew his background I thought he was a drama queen but he's definitely not.

And if it helps him get through the days by putting everything out there, then fair play to the guy. It's his way of affirming to himself that hey, it wasn't my/our fault and I'm not ashamed.

It took me a long time and a lot of counselling to get there.

Well put kate, I totally agree.
As the competition progresses more people will be interested to know his back story, not everyone had the perfect nuclear family.
His determination to succeed to me is driven from those experiences, I would say the last thing he is after was sympathy.
The message seems to be whatever you go through you can overcome, he is really inspirational.
If you can go through years of trauma and come out the other side unbroken and willing to help others do the same is amazing.
It shows a strength and depth of character that is very rare.