Everyone’s favourite Spice Girl, Mel B, has put her name, support and acting skills behind a new video campaign aimed at drawing attention to domestic violence.
In a music video for pianist Fabio D’Andrea, Mel B appears with actor Sam Mackay in a shocking depiction of an abusive relationship. As such, I’m repeating the preamble and slapping a big ol’ content warning on it – while it’s high-quality art (and very beautiful music) it’s also heavy shit and very distressing.
As you may remember, Mel B very publicly fought her way out of her own allegedly abusive relationship with American music producer Stephen Belafonte. In her memoir, Brutally Honest, she claims that Belafonte physically and verbally abused her, gaslit her and blackmailed her. During their divorce proceedings, she eventually withdrew allegations of physical assault, but Belafonte is a convicted domestic abuser from prior to their relationship.
No wonder that she’s thrown her weight behind this campaign then. Created in partnership with Women’s Aid, the video for Love Should Not Hurt is intended to draw attention to the fact that 1 in 3 women worldwide suffer physical or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner, or sexual violence from a non-partner.
Mel B, whose full name is Melanie Brown, told the UK press:
I have a responsibility to make sure these situations are portrayed as realistically as possible. I looked at all the emails I’ve received from women who have read my book and hand-picked some to help me with the acting.
Nobody should be checking your phone or forcing you to speak. Nobody should be controlling what you wear, or how you act or when you see a friend.
I want to be a Women’s Aid patron until the day I die. I’ll always be there flying the flag. It’s not just about my experience, it’s about listening to all the other women’s voices.
The TV personality says that she’s now found love with a new “kind and very, very patient” man.
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
If you’d like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
