Melanie Chisholm has risked sparking a Spice Girls feud after she insisted she would turn down a deal with Qatar to perform.
Her comments come as David Beckham, fellow Spice Girl Victoria Beckham's husband, was criticised for his £10 million deal to be an ambassador for the World Cup in Qatar.
David accepted the offer despite the public's protests against the country's laws against LGBTQ+ people as well as its treatment of migrant workers and women.
Mel C, 48, recently admitted she 'wouldn't be comfortable' accepting money from Qatar.
The star, who recently won the honorary gay award at the Attitude Awards, has long been an LGBT ally.
She said: "Personally, I'm an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and it's not something I would feel comfortable in doing.
"'People want to go over there and help to make a change. Each to their own, but it would be a no from me if the offer came," she told Daily Mail.
She previously condemned FIFA's decision to host the World Cup in Qatar and said it was all about 'greed'.
"They can try and spin it that they’re there to make change, that sport can make change. But it’s bulls***, it’s about money," Mel C told Attitude.
Despite the backlash, a spokesman for the former Manchester United star defended his association.
They cited the passion of Qatar as a country and their desire to create a long-lasting legacy following the tournament as reasons for him accepting the role.
The spokesman told the Metro : "David has been visiting Qatar regularly for over a decade and went on to play for PSG [Paris Saint-Germain], so he has seen the passion for football in the country and the long-term commitment that’s been made to hosting the World Cup and delivering a lasting legacy for the region."
While some have defended him, including Gary Neville, many have slammed his decision.
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Joe Lycett 'shred' £10,000 of his own money after telling the footballer to pull out of his mega-money sponsorship deal with Qatar.
The comedian admitted: "The truth is the money that went into the shredder was real, but the money that came out was fake. I would never destroy money. I would never be so irresponsible.
"In fact, the ten grand had already been donated to LGBTQ+ charities before I even pressed send on the initial Tweet last week. I never expected to hear from you. It was an empty threat designed to get people talking."
Joe continued: "In many ways it was like your deal with Qatar David, total bulls**t from the start. I'm not even queer, only joking."
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