At a Glance
- Mel B publicly confronted Louis Walsh during a 2014 X-Factor UK episode when he touched her butt.
- The clip resurfaced in 2026, sparking outrage and a debate about on-air harassment.
- Walsh later explained the incident in a 2024 interview, claiming it was a joke.
- Why it matters: The moment highlights how quickly behind-the-scenes conduct can become public and how media edits can obscure uncomfortable realities.
Mel B’s confrontation with Louis Walsh during a 2014 X-Factor UK judging session has resurfaced in 2026, bringing the incident back into public conversation. The clip shows Walsh moving his hand from the couch to Mel B’s butt and then withdrawing after she calls it out. The video was edited out of later broadcasts, making this the first time many viewers saw what happened.
The Incident
During a live judging session in 2014, Mel B was seated with Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell, and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. While discussing recent performances, Walsh’s hand drifted from the couch to Mel B’s butt. He hovered for a moment before grabbing her butt, continuing the conversation.
Mel B immediately interrupted, saying, “Hold on a second, why are you grabbing my butt?” The comment forced Walsh to withdraw his hand. She repeated that the behavior was “inappropriate” twice, displaying a disgusted face. The other judges moved on, but the moment was later removed from subsequent airings.
Reactions
- Mel B: “Inappropriate” and called out the conduct.
- Louis Walsh: Initially laughed and later explained the action as a joke.
- Cheryl Fernandez-Versini: Commented that hands should be visible.
- Simon Cowell: No direct comment in the clip.
The clip’s resurfacing in 2026 prompted viewers to question why the incident had not been addressed sooner. Many felt that the editing of the moment from future broadcasts contributed to a lack of accountability.
Aftermath and Editing
The segment was edited out of later airings of the show. As a result, the viral clip became the first time the public witnessed the incident. The removal raised concerns about transparency in live television and how producers handle potentially inappropriate behavior.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Original X-Factor UK episode airs with the incident. |
| 2024 | Walsh addresses the moment during an interview. |
| 2026 | Video resurfaces, sparking public discussion. |
Walsh’s 2024 Response
In 2024, when the content of the videos came up in news about ITV casting Walsh in Celebrity Big Brother UK, he addressed the moment. He told Today FM‘s Mario Rosenstock:
> “We’d be sitting there all day on the couch doing TV, and I just grabbed her ass as a joke. She was very funny and you could say anything or do anything to her and I loved her, so I would just grab her for a laugh but it’s not PC anymore.”
Walsh’s explanation framed the action as a joke and acknowledged that it was no longer acceptable in a modern context.
Key Takeaways
- Public accountability matters: The incident shows how delayed or hidden responses can erode trust.
- Editing can distort reality: Removing the clip from later broadcasts prevented many from seeing the full context.
- Cultural shifts influence perception: What was once considered a joke is now recognized as inappropriate behavior.
- Media responsibility: Broadcasters must decide how to handle on-air misconduct, balancing entertainment with ethical standards.
The resurfacing of Mel B’s confrontation with Louis Walsh highlights ongoing conversations about workplace conduct, media transparency, and the evolving standards of what is considered acceptable on television.
