Mel C Says Drunken Clash With Victoria Beckham Nearly Got Her Fired From Spice Girls

Melanie “Mel C” Chisholm has revealed that a drunken argument with Victoria Beckham nearly cost her a place in the Spice Girls before the group became famous.

Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Chisholm recalled the incident, which happened after the 1996 BRIT Awards, months before the release of the group's debut single, “Wannabe.” After a night of celebrating, she told Beckham to “f--- off” while the group was leaving the event. At the time, she did not think the comment was a serious issue.

The next morning, her bandmates expressed their disappointment, and the group's manager warned her that any similar behavior could lead to her being removed from the band. Chisholm said the warning left her terrified that she might lose everything she had worked for.

She later said the experience had a lasting effect on her mental health. Fear of making mistakes led her to become highly self-critical and controlling, particularly around food and exercise, as she felt she had to be perfect to deserve the Spice Girls' success.