Mel C on sexism in the music industry.
In a new episode of the Table Manners with Jessie Ware podcast, the 46-year-old singer talked about her access to the entertainment industry through play with the Spice Girls. Mel C, born Melanie Chisholm and also known as Sporty Spice, said she faced obstacles early in her career, and executives underestimated her appeal.
“We talk about women’s strength because we experience sexism in the industry,” she said. “Because we were only five women, we were looking to be famous, we looked to be pop stars and, quite temporarily, they told us, ‘Yes, women’s bands don’t sell records, you can’t cover magazines because women buy records from boys. And we thought, “Really?” Don’t say that to the Spice Girls, it’s like a red rag for a bull. “
“We had a vital point to prove, that it was wonderful because it set us on fire,” Chisholm added. “. . . It has become more than just the “female power. “It has become the “power of the people”; has become an equality issue. “
The star also said that she and her fellow Spice Girls, who also included Victoria Beckham, Mel B, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell, had been sexually harassed because the men “were petrified by us. “
RELATED: Emma Bunton sent her mom a shirtless photo for the fiancé: ”I was mortified”
Never miss a story: sign up for PEOPLE’s loose newsletter to stay up-to-date on how productive PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to captivating stories of human interest.
“It’s funny, because they ask me a lot of questions about the Me Too movement and that in the music industry and if I’ve ever experienced anything, and I like it, do you laugh at me?No one would come near the Spice Girls because they were petrified through us,” Chisholm said.
“I think from time to time in those situations, there may be other vulnerable people who are targeted, right?” He added. “Which, of course, there are other vulnerable people in Spice Girls, but because you knew that if you played one of them, you would have to take care of the other four, so we had backup. “
RELATED VIDEO: “Think Your Life”! Victoria Beckham dances to the rhythm of the Spice Girls’ good fortune with her son Romeo
RELATED: Victoria Beckham shows her favorite Spice Girls look: “It makes me smile”
Although Beckham, 46, did not participate in the band’s recent reunion tour, she is expected to star in an upcoming Spice Girls film. After their 1997 cult success, Spice World, the five members will join for an animated film, The Hollywood Reporter reported last summer.
Details of the film’s plot are rare, but THR said the film would come with new songs as well as 90s classics that enthusiasts will recognize. Paramount Animation president Mireille Soria told THR at the time that the five members of the organization were “very involved. “”
It’s just one of the tactics the Spice Girls are still using to keep the band logo alive. “We’re discussing other tactics to do so,” Chisholm told Billboard at the time. “Inheritance is important and, of course, we would like to. watch him continue. “
If you or know you have been sexually assaulted, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or move to online. rainn. org.