Jessie J has publicly addressed a long-standing, on-air spat with Spice Girls star Mel B after the former Britain’s Got Talent judge reportedly named her as one of several "biggest d***head" celebrities on television.
Speaking on KISS FM, Jessie J, 37, said she had remained silent when the remark aired in 2022 but felt ready to acknowledge it during the interview. "So on TV, she said I was a d***head, out of nowhere," she told host Harriet Rose, adding that she had only met Mel B once and had never worked with her.
The comment Jessie referenced was made during an appearance by Mel B on Channel 4's The Big Narstie Show, where, asked by host Mo Gilligan to name the "biggest dickhead celebrity," Mel replied, "So, there's a few. James Corden, Geri Halliwell, Jessie J and me," according to a clip that circulated at the time. On KISS FM, the name Jessie mentioned was bleeped in the radio segment, prompting a shocked reaction from the host.
Jessie J's discussion about the episode came amid wider public attention to her health. The singer disclosed in June that she underwent a mastectomy after an early breast cancer diagnosis. She subsequently returned to hospital with an infection and fluid on her lungs and was advised to have a second operation, leading to the postponement of some tour dates.
In recent interviews and appearances, Jessie has been candid about her recovery and emotional state. On Capital XTRA she told friend and presenter Manny Norte, "I feel like I'm in the middle of a storm, but I'm just making sure that my umbrella is up." She described the physical sensation after her mastectomy and implant surgery as "so weird," noting reduced sensation and the strangeness of skin over an implant, but said she was maintaining perspective ahead of another procedure.
Despite the health challenges, Jessie returned to the stage at BBC Radio 2 In The Park in Chelmsford for her first live performance since the surgery. Opening her set to loud applause, she told the crowd that she had had breast cancer surgery 11 weeks earlier and expressed gratitude at being able to perform. She noted that the occasion was made more special because her two-year-old son, Sky, was seeing her sing on stage for the first time.
Jessie described performing a new song, "Living My Best Life," as particularly meaningful. She said she was diagnosed two weeks before the track's release and that, although some people suggested delaying, she felt continuing to make music was vital. "Life is about standing in the storm but holding up your umbrella and just keep moving forward," she said on stage, adding that music had been a healing force.
Her comments about Mel B add to a string of public exchanges between celebrities in recent years, but Jessie emphasized that she had little personal history with the Spice Girls star. She said the moment felt worth addressing now because she felt safe to do so and wanted to acknowledge it publicly.
Representatives for the parties involved did not provide additional comment at the time of the radio interview. Jessie J has continued to balance treatment and performances, saying she plans to proceed with the next operation while remaining focused on recovery and her music career.