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By Janet Kirlew

When former Spice Girl member Mel B released Brutally Honest in 2018, the memoir sparked a new chapter in her life, rendering her an advocate for other victims of domestic abuse. Recently, she’s released an expanded edition of the book, so I wanted to reflect on its impact and have a chat with Mel.

“I'm so proud of my book, Brutally Honest. It changed my life. Very few people wanted to publish my book back in 2017 when I was looking for a publisher because it was a subject matter that was still fairly taboo.”

Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B, rose to fame as one of the Spice Girls, the iconic girl power band of the 90s. After the group disbanded, she pursued a solo music career, releasing her debut album in 2000. Beyond music, Mel B blossomed into a prominent TV personality, serving as a judge on popular shows like The X Factor and America's Got Talent. Outwardly, Mel B had it all: family, career, fame – but then, she decided to speak up and revealed the stark truth about her private life. 

Until the release of her book in 2018, many were unaware of the scale of the nightmare ‘Scary Spice’ was living in. At the time, Mel B had a fierce reputation as both a strong, outspoken woman and a talented singer-songwriter. However, behind the scenes Mel B was struggling, and Brutally Honest is exactly that: a brutally honest confession about that dark phase. For ten years, she was stuck in an coercively abusive relationship with her producer husband. 

The first edition of the tell-all book went on to become a Sunday Times Bestseller. Now, in her updated memoir, Mel B adds chapters that shed light on the struggles that come after, once a victim gathers the strength to finally leave their abuser and try to start over – a process that many don't understand; after all, it’s never easy rebuilding one’s life after a traumatic experience.

“Five years on, I wanted to address the issue, so many people – including members of my own family – said to me: 'You've left now. You're fine…' You are not. It's not a happy ever after. It's so tough.”

For Mel B, writing Brutally Honest and everything that came after its publication formed a significant part of her healing journey, which allowed her to discover her new purpose. By sharing her story, she realised the powerful impact her words could have towards raising awareness about such sensitive yet important topics. Her candid revelations not only help other victims feel less alone, but also encourage them to take back control of their lives.

“I want to give other survivors hope. I wanted to explain what coercive control looks and feels like and I also want to use my voice to change the justice system to help other women out there. I've got a loud voice; my book is my platform, but it's a platform I share with thousands of other women.”

Shortly after the book was published, Mel B was invited to be a Patron of Women's Aid, the UK's national charity founded to fight domestic abuse of women and children. Participating in their campaigns and conferences, she had the opportunity to tell her story and speak with other survivors. In the back of her updated book, Mel B includes a list of 15 signs, curated by Women's Aid, that indicate someone may be in an abusive relationship. 

“All these abusers know what they are doing, they are expert manipulators, and I – like a lot of women – didn't even realise I was in an coercively abusive relationship until it was waaaay too late. I want other women to see that. So many women tell me they didn't realise they were in a bad relationship till they read my book, others email me to tell me the book gave them the strength to leave their abuser – and believe me, it takes a lot of strength.”

Mel B's tireless work with Women's Aid and dedication to supporting victims of domestic violence have made real impacts, and her efforts haven't gone unnoticed. In May 2022, Prince William awarded her with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

“This was something I was being given as me, Melanie Brown, a working-class girl from Leeds who is a survivor. Not Mel B, the Spice Girl. I felt so proud, so humble, so emotional, happy, and tearful at the same time. I took my mum with me. Victoria [Beckham] made us both beautiful dresses and Prince William spent a long time talking to me because, remember, I knew him when he was a young boy. He told me he was proud of me. I knew my dad would be looking down so proud.”

Nevertheless, healing from abuse is an ongoing journey. In the expanded memoir, Mel B remains as honest as ever, adding another layer to her story: the aftermath. Three new chapters delve into the complexities of recovery and coping with trauma, but they also share a message of hope, finding love again, rebuilding self-esteem, and regaining control of life. These additions arm readers with a deeper understanding of the long-term healing process, reminding them how a brighter future after overcoming profound adversity is possible.

“It took me a long time to realise I needed therapy. I also needed to learn to look back, to forgive myself – to understand that it's not your fault, the abuser finds you. I had to understand what I'd gone through. Good friends, family, staying fit and healthy, giving myself breaks… all of these things are part of my process, but there's so much to explain, which is why I wrote the extra chapters.”

Brutally Honest might leave you speechless, in tears, in shock, or everything at once. Challenging readers to confront difficult truths, the book sends a strong message that domestic violence mustn't be romanticised or justified, but instead extinguished.

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Water Stones

Hardie Grant