Latest news with #MelB
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Afro hair is still discriminated against in the UK - but the Halo Code calls for change
Black people are still being discriminated against simply for their hair texture and majority are unaware about the halo code - a code to help stop discrimination; but we need more to make a true difference. For years, Black individuals have faced discrimination for something beyond their control - their hair. Despite race discrimination being outlawed for over a decade, people continue to face discrimination because of their hair and, in turn, feel confined by the stigma. In September 2024, Spice Girl Mel B supported the "Fix the Law, not our hair" campaign, led by World Afro Day, to revise the country's equality laws and ban Afro hair discrimination by recognising Afro hair as a protected characteristic. Alongside this, an open letter called the '100 Voices, 100 Words Campaign' was sent to the UK Government and had been signed by 100 influential supporters, including Mel B, Beverley Knight, Fleur East, Sarah-Jane Crawford and many more. The letter called on MPs of all parties to vote for the recognition and prevention of Afro hair discrimination by updating the 2010 Equality Act. Despite these efforts, and the introduction of the Halo Code in 2020, why does hair discrimination persist in 2025? What is the Halo Code? The Halo Code was created by the Halo Collective, a group of 30 young Black campaigners who united through the Advocacy Academy, a social justice leadership charity, after repeatedly witnessing hair discrimination in the UK - especially in schools. The Halo Code is the UK's first explicit policy pledge that safeguards Black individuals from discrimination over their hair. It was established in 2020, specifically to address the fact that even though race discrimination has been illegal under the Equality Act 2010, many Black students and workers were still being penalised, excluded, or judged because of their natural Afro hair or protective hairstyles - missing out on job opportunities and even being expelled from school. The collective emerged in response to the hair discrimination observed across the UK, particularly in educational settings. They aimed to devise a clear, practical solution that would compel institutions to accept accountability. Their investigations revealed that 46% of parents reported their child's school policy penalised Afro hair. Additionally, 58% of Black students have been subjected to name-calling or uncomfortable questions about their hair at school and, for Black women at work, 1 in 5 feel compelled to straighten their hair for the office. They also found that numerous young Black girls found themselves excluded from school or pressured to alter their hair to conform with "uniform" rules. While the code has helped influence changes in workplaces and schools, with backing from major brands like Dove, the code is not part of UK law or government legislation - it is a voluntary code of conduct. Organisations and schools can opt to adopt this code to show their commitment to racial equity and inclusivity. By signing up, they publicly pledge to eradicate hair-based discrimination and revise policies to reflect this commitment. Why is Black hair still being policed? Despite the progress made by the Halo code, the European standard of beauty and professionalism continues to be deeply rooted in British schools and workplaces, with Afro hair frequently suffering from these prejudices. Even school uniform rules often ban natural textures or protective hairstyles, using terms such as "extreme" or "distracting" to describe such hair. For Black children, this can mean being excluded, sent home, humiliated just for showing up as themselves - and it doesn't end there. In workplaces, Black people often face remarks such as "your hair is too big," "unprofessional" or even suggestions to "tone it down", subtly pressuring Black employees to either straighten their hair or choose so-called acceptable styles to blend in. The Halo Code is a step forward The introduction of the Halo Code has been a significant step forward, granting Black people the freedom to style their hair as they wish. However, the reality is that it's not mandatory and many schools and workplaces have yet to adopt it, with many still enforcing unspoken rules about what constitutes "neat" or "presentable". Embracing the Halo Code isn't just a ticking a box - it's a clear indication that inclusion, fairness, and respect are valued in every environment. When schools and workplaces actively support the Halo Code, it communicates to Black students and employees that they are accepted just as they are, without having to sacrifice a part of their identity. But real change cannot be limited to a written policy alone. What we need is for the Equality Act 2010 to explicitly recognise hair as a characteristic warranting the much-needed protection for those with afro hair, and a cultural shift - challenging and unlearning the ingrained biases that still perceive Black hair as "too much" or "unprofessional."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hollywood Hookups: Mel B Marries Hairstylist, Rachel Zegler Snapped Kissing ‘Evita' Costar and More
Rory Spices Up Mel B's Life Spice Girls singer Mel B is no longer a Wannabe bride! The pop star, 50, got hitched to hairstylist Rory McPhee, 37, at The Crypt at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England, before family and friends, including her bandmate Emma 'Baby Spice' Bunton. Twice-divorced Scary Spice Mel told Us Weekly that Rory is a 'lovely family friend' who nurtured her 'belief in love again.' Rachel's Prince Has Come! Snow White's Rachel Zegler appears to have found her Prince Charming. The songbird, 24, was caught on camera kissing 27-year-old dancer Nathan Louis-Fernand — her Evita castmate — at a Sabrina Carpenter concert in England. Zegler, who previously dated actor Josh Andrés Rivera, is headlining a London production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Chyna & Milano Fade To Blac Rapper Blac Chyna, 37, and Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Derrick Milano, 31, have called it quits, ending their nine-month engagement following a year of dating. The former video vixen, whose baby daddy exes include Rob Kardashian and Tyga, shared news of their split on her Instagram Stories by telling followers that she and Milano called time on their romance 'after much prayer and reflection.' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mel B's Wedding Includes a Special Gift From Victoria Beckham
The Gist Victoria Beckham designed Mel B's daughter's dress for the former Spice Girl's wedding. Emma Bunton, a.k.a. Baby Spice, was the only fellow band member in attendance. Mel B has three daughters in total: Phoenix, Angel, and her absence from former Spice Girl Mel B's wedding, Victoria Beckham still managed to be there in spirit thanks to one very special outfit. The fashion mogul designed a custom slip dress for Mel B's daughter, Phoenix, and the proud daughter wore it to celebrate her mom's big day. Phoenix looked stunning in the slinky light blue gown, which she paired with the most classic of British wedding accessories: a large decorative hat. Mel B's nuptials took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London. While it was previously reported that Beckham would design Mel B's wedding dress, she ultimately went with a custom gown from Evelie Bridal. She and her now-husband Rory McPhee exchanged their vows in a traditional ceremony in front of a small guest list that included Cara Delevingne. As for the other Spice Girls? Only Emma Bunton, a.k.a. Baby Spice, was able to join. Mel B and McPhee coupled up in 2019 and got engaged in 2022. The duo have actually known each other since childhood, when they were introduced by her cousin. Mel B has been married twice before. 'I believe in love, and clearly the other two marriages turned out to be not love, from their angle,' she told People. 'So I feel like I've really missed out, and now I've got this opportunity to be properly in love with a really good guy who I know loves me for me, who's known me before I was a Spice Girl, why wouldn't I do that?' The singer has two other daughters apart from Phoenix. She shares her eldest with her ex-husband Jimmy Gulzar, her middle child Angel with Eddie Murphy, and her youngest Madison, with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte. 'I hope I'm raising three confident, strong women on the inside who are appreciative, respectful and supportive of other women," Mel B once said, per People. Read the original article on InStyle
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mel B marries Rory McPhee at iconic St. Paul's Cathedral, Spice Girl stuns in pearl-embellished gown, star-studded reception held at The Shard
The 'Spice Girls' star Mel B has tied the knot with hairstylist Rory McPhee. The wedding took place on Saturday, July 5, at The Crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral in London--a venue known for hosting the wedding of Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles in 1981, as reported by People. The Spice Girl, 50, shared an Instagram video showing her and her husband getting ready in their respective hotel rooms in the hours before their nuptials. The footage showed the singer relaxing in a chair while several specialists worked on her makeup and hair. She wore a gown from the London-based shop, which featured a strapless corset and a sheer illusion jacket embellished with pearls. She paired the dress with a cathedral veil and wore her hair up, with natural curls framing her face, as reported by People. Wedding dress designer Josephine Scott told the outlet that the gown was created to convey the singer's "fearless spirit and softness all in one look." She explained, "She's iconic, powerful and radiant, and this dress had to be worthy of that. Every detail was chosen to honour her strength and sensuality, while celebrating the woman and the love story beneath the girl power," reported People. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Mel B's Instagram video also featured some clips of the wedding rings and her groom, McPhee, as he put on his suit for the big day, which included a black bow tie on top with a black jacket and a red, patterned kilt on the bottom, to honour his Scottish heritage. After the couple tied the knot, they headed to the 5-star, located inside The Shard, a 95-story skyscraper in London, England, which was decorated with fairy lights and florals, according to People. According to the publication, the ceremony continued with a grand reception at the Shangri-La Hotel, located inside The Shard, the tallest building in the U.K. Celebrities including Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Cara Delevingne, Katherine Ryan, and Daisy Lowe were among the guests. Mel B's three daughters -- Phoenix (26), Angel (18), and Madison (13) -- were her bridesmaids. The singer has been married twice before and has spoken openly about her experiences with domestic abuse. In 2022, she was awarded an MBE by Prince William for her work in raising awareness about domestic violence. This honour enabled her to marry at the historic St. Paul's Cathedral. "It's a big deal because when you get married there, not many people are allowed to get married there. You have to be kind of special," she shared in May on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, according to People. The wedding came just weeks after Mel B enjoyed a bachelorette party by the sea, joined by 36 of her close friends. The group, all in leopard-print swimsuits, danced together to Beyonce's "End of Time." McPhee helped the Spice Girls singer believe in love again, she said in March 2024, according to People. "I was like, 'I'm never going to get married again. Never, never, never. I'm never having a relationship. I'm fine by myself. I want to raise my kids, put my head down and work, and that's it,' " Mel B said. "And then... never can say never, can you?" "I believe in love, and clearly the other two marriages turned out to be not love, from their angle," Mel B continued. "So I feel like I've really missed out, and now I've got this opportunity to be properly in love with a really good guy who I know loves me for me, who's known me before I was a Spice Girl, why wouldn't I do that?" reported People.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ageless Spice Girl Emma Bunton, 48, Stuns in Pink at Mel B's Wedding: 'Our Endless Baby Spice'
Ageless Spice Girl Emma Bunton, 48, Stuns in Pink at Mel B's Wedding: 'Our Endless Baby Spice' originally appeared on Parade. Emma Bunton, aka 'Baby Spice,' was pretty in pink today at Mel B's London wedding to hairstylist Rory McPhee. The 49-year-old Bunton channeled her Baby Spice persona with an all-pink ensemble that showcased the singer's stunning figure—much to the delight of the Spice Girls' legions of devout B, aka 'Scary Spice,' walked down the aisle at St. Paul's Cathedral in London wearing a chic, form-fitting white gown for her third marriage. Bunton, the only Spice Girl in attendance, joined other famous faces for Mel B's big day, including model Cara Delevingne and Daisy Lowe at the former America's Got Talent host's July nuptials. In a social media post highlighting Bunton's all-pink look, the adorable, ageless '90s icon looked giddy in head-to-toe pink. Bunton wore a short, long-sleeved pink Roland Mouret dress, which she paired with a pink (naturally) fascinator that complemented her long blonde locks, a vintage white Chanel bag, and sparkly Jennifer Chamandi heels. Bunton's fans loved the look and were quick to jump into the comment section for a massive group chat about Baby Spice's gorgeous wedding-day style.'This is just completely Emma ❤️,' wrote one fan. 'It's perfect x.' 'Pretty in pink,' shared many fans, while others commented, 'Beautiful.' 'We love u Emma,' added another devoted fan. 'Our endless Baby Spice!!' 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Ageless Spice Girl Emma Bunton, 48, Stuns in Pink at Mel B's Wedding: 'Our Endless Baby Spice' first appeared on Parade on Jul 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
