Ben Ofoedu, the former fiancé of broadcaster Vanessa Feltz, has publicly responded to her recent remarks, alleging that he experienced "verbal abuse" and was "emasculated" during their 17-year relationship. Feltz, in a piece for The Mail on Sunday's YOU magazine, described her past relationship dynamic as being akin to a "mummy" to an "adult" and claimed her ex-partner had "cheated so ferociously I had to throw him out."
Ofoedu, a singer, claims that Feltz, 64, spoke to him in a derogatory manner and frequently reprimanded him in front of others, making him feel insignificant. "When you’re in an abusive relationship, you don’t even know you’re being abused," Ofoedu stated. He recounted an instance where Feltz allegedly told him that if they separated, "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 become a "lapdog" in her life.
He further characterized Feltz as "incredibly controlling" and "domineering," suggesting that her home, known as Feltz Towers, was centered entirely around her. Ofoedu has since married beauty entrepreneur Vanessa Brown in a ceremony last year and described his current relationship as "healthy" and "happy."
Feltz has reportedly declined to comment on Ofoedu's claims. The article also briefly mentions other celebrity news items, including actress Hannah Arterton's pregnancy, actor Taron Egerton's estranged relationship with his father, and a wedding celebration at Beaverbrook Hotel affecting Spencer Matthews' birthday plans. Additionally, it touches upon chef Tom Kerridge's views on sleep and Blur drummer Dave Rowntree's potential political aspirations. Actor Peter Capaldi's financial success through his private companies is also noted.