Ben Ofoedu, the former fiancé of broadcaster Vanessa Feltz, has accused her of emotional abuse, claiming she "emasculated" and "verbally abused" him during their 17-year relationship. The former pop star's comments come in response to Feltz's recent remarks in YOU magazine, where she described her role in the relationship as being like a "mummy" to an adult.
Feltz had also stated that Ofoedu "cheated so ferociously I had to throw him out." Ofoedu, however, countered these claims, telling Richard Eden that he felt controlled and belittled. "For 17 years she emasculated me, verbally abused me, and made me feel small," he said. "When you’re in an abusive relationship, you don’t even know you’re being abused."
Ofoedu described instances where Feltz allegedly spoke to him in a derogatory manner in front of others and dismissed his achievements. He recalled her telling him that if their relationship ended, "No one would care about you because I’m a national treasure, and you’re just a one-hit wonder." This, he said, led him to feel like a "lapdog" in her life.
He further alleged that Feltz is "incredibly controlling" and that her home, known as Feltz Towers, is a place where "all that matters is Vanessa."
Ofoedu is now remarried to beauty entrepreneur Vanessa Brown, whom he refers to as "Vanessa 2.0." He described his current relationship as healthy and happy, contrasting it with his past experiences. "I think to myself, 'How did I do that for 17 years?' Always on the back foot, always watching my Ps and Qs around her," he stated.
Feltz has declined to comment on Ofoedu's accusations.