Camila Cabello opens up about her departure from Fifth Harmony

Singer Camila Cabello insists her former Fifth Harmony bandmates were well aware of her plans to move on and focus on her solo career.

The remaining members of the girl group, Ally Brooke Hernandez, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane Hansen and Lauren Jauregui, announced Camila's departure in an open letter on the band's social media accounts following what turned out to be their final performance as a five-piece on Sunday night (18Dec16).

They told fans they had been informed by Camila's team she had decided to leave the band after four and a half years, and stated they "wish her well", before assuring fans they would continue as a four-piece.

However, Camila has now spoken out to clarify the news, explaining she was unaware the group's statement would be released and she didn't plan on leaving the group in the manner that has played out in the public.

"I was shocked to read the statement the fifth harmony account posted without my knowing (sic)," she writes on Instagram. "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."

Camila, 19, goes on to reveal she is excited about her future endeavors, but admits she is a little scared about going completely solo.

"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," she adds. "Our happiness is our own responsibility. We only have one life and we never know how much time we really have. We don't carry money, trophies, social media followers, fame, or success with us. We carry the memories that made us feel alive and the moments that made us fall in love with life. New chapters are scary, but conforming to what's safe and looking back with regret is even scarier."

Thanking her fans for their support and for giving her the opportunity to pursue her dreams, she adds: "Next year I will be working on my own music and giving you a big chunk of my heart.

"To our amazing fans, I will always be so thankful for the opportunities being in this group has given to me... You took 5 (sic) 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. The memories we've made together will last a life time (sic)."