Mel C Opens Up About Decades of Speculation Surrounding Her Sexuality

Melanie Chisholm is setting the record straight on years of conjecture about her personal life.

The 52-year-old Spice Girls member, known as Mel C and "Sporty Spice," has reflected on the persistent speculation that has surrounded her since her time in the legendary girl group. During an appearance on The Mitch Churi Chat Show, she discussed how her athletic presentation and distinctive wardrobe within the band fueled assumptions among fans and observers.

"You've got all the different ones and the one who's in the active wear. It was assumed or suggested that I was gay," the singer explained.

Though Mel C indicated the rumors themselves didn't personally trouble her, she pushed back against the underlying logic. "I don't personally have a problem with that. I mean, it's none of their friggin' business. But I just thought, to base it on somebody's look or the way that they dress, yeah, it was a bit s–t of them."

The speculation has nonetheless helped cultivate a devoted LGBTQ+ community around Mel C, a connection she has consistently recognized and celebrated throughout her career.

This marks another occasion where the artist has addressed the topic publicly. In 2024, she characterized such assumptions as "very rude," pointing out the flawed reasoning behind them.

"People said I looked like a lesbian because I had short hair. But how can you look like a lesbian? I find it very rude and extremely offensive to gay people… It's a stereotypical thing," she remarked at that time.