Footage of Mel B being groped on live TV resurfaces online
A clip of Mel B being groped on live television has resurfaced, sparking outrage across social media.
» RELATED: MeToo: A timeline of 2018's sexual harassment scandal
Earlier this week, a 2014 video from the British show “The X Factor” appeared online. It features Mel B and the other judges Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh sitting on a couch discussing the series.
As they chat, Walsh begins patting Mel B on her buttock. When she notices, she stops the conversation immediately and says, “Hold on a second ... Why are you grabbing my butt,” as she moves away from him.
Walsh replies, “I’m looking out for Mel.”
A Twitter user uploaded the recording Sunday with the caption “sexual harassment on live TV folks.” It garnered nearly 150,000 retweets and more than 265,000 likes.
sexual harassment on live TV folks pic.twitter.com/tjJtE45ZFk
— junieblackjones•°゜ (@dys_nania) July 8, 2018
Many also flooded the comments section with their opinions, referring to the behavior as inappropriate.
this is how prevalent sexual abuse is. louis LITERALLY grops mel b's bum while on LIVE TV!! what happens when he's called out?? they just laugh it off and move straight on !!
— kyle (@nofreemoonshine) July 8, 2018
if this is what happens on LIVE tv, can you imagine what goes on behind closed doors? pic.twitter.com/z6eTl26xKg
Nah that clip of Louis grabbing Mel B is pissing me off
— Miguel (@bourbon_biscuit) July 8, 2018
This man grabs Mel B's butt on live TV & there are men in the comments arguing she overreacted, handled it badly, that she embarrassed the man, that they miss the old days.
— Tugen Girl (@tugengirl) July 9, 2018
Wow. Just wow. Many men still defend even live examples of sexual harassment. https://t.co/z7lK9nSF31
» RELATED: Sexual harassment 2018: More than half of women in science harassed
Others thought Mel B overreacted. Some noted that Walsh is gay and believed Mel “embarrassed” him.
terrible reaction from mel b embarrassing the man
— Elliott Panyi (@elliott_panyi) July 8, 2018
He’s gay
— Ben Nicholls (@pieman80) July 9, 2018
I’ve made that mistake once or twice u think ur in a saftey zone then boom. Reactions r usually different than this lady tho
— BIG STEVE (@Stephen_Meda) July 8, 2018
And a few said the incident was just one of the many examples why the #MeToo movement is needed.
If you have to wonder why the #MeToo movement is so necessary
— Motivation to inspire. (@LivetoMotivateX) July 8, 2018
Just look at this video of a creep Groping a women on live TV. What a disgusting excuse for a human being he is ! #MelB
This was almost four years ago. Unfortunately it seems like he got away with it.... #LouisWalsh pic.twitter.com/622RpQkkGC
Quite easily explained why it was put up, the reaction from everyone else is horrifically weak and a perfect example of the lack of serious attention put on this kind of issue.
— Darren Jakeman (@DarrenAFCTU) July 9, 2018
If you don't like the way someone is touching you no matter of sexuality it's harassment idc
— D (@boxofdestinee) July 8, 2018
» RELATED: Sexual harassment in the workplace: What is it, how to report it and more you should know
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
