In the wake of the news of G.R.L.’s Simon Battle’s death, many of those closest to her have expressed their sadness over her reported suicide.
Everyone from her fellow G.R.L. members to music producers to fellow performers have taken to social media to react to her death.
Two of the group’s members, Natasha Slayton and Lauren Bennett, posted heartfelt messages in the wake of her death.
G.R.L. founder, Robin Antin, posted a lengthy message to her Instagram account on Saturday, Sept. 6, one day after Battle was found in her Los Angeles home on Sept. 5. She was 25.
“I’m so beyond devastated by the loss of our beautiful Simone … Simone I will miss your smile, Your adorable laugh, Your loving spirit that you brought to all of us, The joy that you felt when you were singing, dancing, performing, laughing, and goofing around with your GRLs, and most of all the beautiful friendship and bond that tied us all together, that will forever be in my heart…” she wrote. “How lucky we are to have had You in our lives Simone, you inspired us all, and touched fans all around the world with your sweet sweet voice and talent…. We will NEVER forget… I Love you sweet Simone Rest in Peace…@grl.”
Pitbull also reacted to the news on Saturday. He appeared on G.R.L.’s single, “Wild Wild Love,” off the group’s debut self-titled EP, released on July 29. “My heart and prayers go out to @GRLSimone: @grl and her family. RIP Dios la bendiga ,” he wrote.
My heart and prayers go out to @GRLSimone: @grl and her family. RIP Dios la bendiga
— Pitbull (@pitbull) September 6, 2014
Producer Dr. Luke, who worked with the girl group on their single, “Ugly Heart,” tweeted, “My thoughts are with GRL and Simone’s family during this difficult time. The world has lost a true talent. She will be greatly missed.”
My thoughts are with GRL and Simone’s family during this difficult time. The world has lost a true talent. She will be greatly missed
— Dr. Luke Doctor Luke (@TheDoctorLuke) September 6, 2014
The track’s co-producer, Cirkut, added, “Had the pleasure of knowing and working with Simone Battle. A talented and beautiful person. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Had the pleasure of knowing and working with Simone Battle. A talented and beautiful person. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
— CIRKUT (@_cirkut) September 6, 2014
Prior to joining G.R.L., Battle appeared on “The X Factor” in 2011, where she was mentored by Simon Cowell before being eliminated the first week. He tweeted, “I am so sad to hear about the news Simone Battle has passed away. She was such a fun nice person. It’s such a loss. Rest in peace Simone.”
I am so sad to hear about the news Simone Battle has passed away. She was such a fun nice person. It’s such a loss. Rest in peace Simone.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) September 6, 2014
Nicole Scherzinger, who was a judge that same season and previously worked with Antin during her Pussycat Dolls days, tweeted, “Devastated & upset to hear about the passing of @GRLSimone.My prayers go out to her family @robinantinpcd @GRL & my ReignDeer family.”
Devastated & upset to hear about the passing of @GRLSimone. My prayers go out to her family @robinantinpcd @GRL & my ReignDeer family.
— Nicole Scherzinger (@NicoleScherzy) September 6, 2014