Emma Bunton ‘had no idea how bad things were’ before reading Mel B’s domestic violence allegations

'It must have been so difficult for her', says Spice Girl

(Rex Features)

Emma Bunton was “very shocked” to discover the extent of alleged domestic abuse detailed by Mel B in her book, Brutally Honest.

The 43-year-old singer revealed she “had no idea how bad things were” and cried after reading her fellow Spice Girl’s memoir, which was published in November last year.

In the book, Mel B, full name Melanie Brown, details allegations of emotional and physical abuse suffered at the hands of ex-husband, Stephen Belafonte, who denies all accusations of violence. The singer also recalls years of drug abuse and a suicide attempt in 2014.

Speaking to The Sun, Bunton explained she had concerns about Belafonte but did not fully address them with her bandmate at the time.

“There were lots of time that I reached out to her, but [victims] often keep things to themselves,” she said, before recalling an exchange the two had while filming episodes for ITV's The X Factor in 2016 when they were both guest judges.

“We just sat and chatted for a bit," Bunton said. "I was trying to see if she was okay really and asking her lots of questions, but I think she was very guarded at that point. And although I [suspected], I had no idea how bad things were.”

Bunton added that she felt “heartbroken” after reading Brown’s book.

“I read the book and … I was just very shocked. Heartbroken, actually. I cried as I read it because it was incredibly painful to learn that your friend has gone through that and dealt with it on her own. It must have been so difficult for her.”

Brown and Belafonte finalised their divorced in 2017.

Bunton told the newspaper that her bandmate is in a “brilliant place” now.

“Being on stage is where we feel happiest,” she said, “and I love looking to the left and right of me and seeing my girls.”

Spice Girls fans rejoiced after it was announced in November 2018 that the pop band would reunite for a stadium tour this summer, though without member Victoria Beckham.

However, Bunton revealed that Beckham, who runs a successful eponymous fashion label, is “so supportive” of the band’s reunion tour, which begins in 24 May in Dublin.