Melanie Chisholm, known globally as Mel C from the Spice Girls, has openly shared her decision to keep her daughter, Scarlet Starr, out of the public eye. In an interview published in The Times of London on January 25, 2023, Chisholm discussed her conscious choice to shield her daughter from the pressures of fame, particularly given her own experiences as a member of one of the world’s most famous girl groups.
Choosing Privacy for Scarlet
Scarlet, who is now 16 years old, is the daughter of Chisholm and her ex-partner, Thomas Starr. Despite the global fame that comes with being the child of a celebrity, Scarlet has no interest in pursuing a career in the music industry. Chisholm expressed her relief, stating, “It’s so hard to be in the shadow of a parent who’s had success.”
The singer, who rose to fame in the 1990s alongside fellow bandmates Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, and Geri Halliwell, emphasized the importance of keeping Scarlet away from the public eye. “With Scarlet, she’s not in the public eye,” Mel C explained. “I made that conscious decision when she was a baby.”
Chisholm noted that while many of her friends handle fame differently, she felt it was crucial to protect her daughter from the scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity life. “Each to their own, no judgment at all. But for me, probably because of my experiences with fame, I didn’t feel comfortable making that decision for her,” she added.
Family Tensions Surface
Chisholm’s comments come at a time of heightened family drama involving her former bandmate, Victoria Beckham, and her son, Brooklyn Beckham. On January 19, 2023, Brooklyn publicly expressed his frustrations with his family in an Instagram statement, revealing deep-seated grievances regarding their public personas and family dynamics.
In his statement, Brooklyn, who is 26, claimed, “I do not want to reconcile with my family,” asserting that he is “standing up for myself for the first time in my life.” He accused his parents of controlling narratives in the media and prioritizing public image over genuine family relationships. “Brand Beckham comes first,” he stated, criticizing what he described as performative social media interactions.
The tension escalated as Brooklyn recounted an uncomfortable moment during his wedding to Nicola Peltz Beckham in April 2022. He described how his mother, Victoria, interrupted his first dance, an event he had meticulously planned. “I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life,” he wrote, highlighting the pressure he has faced as a member of a high-profile family.
Neither David Beckham nor Victoria Beckham has publicly addressed Brooklyn’s remarks. Representatives for the couple have been approached for comments but have yet to respond.
The contrasting approaches to fame and family between Chisholm and the Beckhams highlight the complexities that arise within celebrity families, particularly regarding the upbringing of children in the public eye. As Mel C continues to prioritize her daughter’s privacy, the ongoing conflict within the Beckham family serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with fame.