© 2019 Ricky Vigil MMel B
Graphic warning: Details in the article might be distressing for a few readers.
Melanie Brown, aka Mel B, has starred in a confronting short film to raise awareness for domestic violence.
The video, titled Love Should Not Hurt, stars the Spice Girls singer and actor Sam Mackay, and is in collaboration with Women's Aid, a UK charity that aims to end domestic violence against women and children.
In the clip, Brown and Mackay's characters are seen living an affluent lifestyle in the English countryside, but it's soon revealed her character is suffering abuse behind closed doors.
Through a series of brave and choreographed maneuvers, the duo act out fight scenes that show Brown being wrestled, strangled and punched to the ground. The final scene shows a bruised and bleeding Brown fleeing their home.
"So very, very proud. It's the most powerful raw video I've ever made," the 45-year-old wrote on Instagram Stories. "This is what domestic violence and coercive abuse looks like underneath the fake smiles and controlling kisses. Traumatic, ugly and soul destroying. It goes on being closed doors everywhere."
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As a patron of Women's Aid, Brown said she wants to encourage people to come forward and talk freely and bravely about their experiences.
"I've talked to other women about their stories, those hands around their necks, their every move watched," she said. "This video is my truth, their truth and the truth that so many still want to hide. Women are being killed every week. Women are suffering every day. Please watch, talk and donate."
The singer has been open about her own claims of domestic violence. In 2017, Brown filed for divorce from husband Stephen Belafonte, claiming the film producer had been physically and emotionally abusive during their 10-year marriage. She also took out a temporary restraining order against him at the time.
Belafonte, 45, has continued to deny the allegations, with his lawyers calling it a "smear campaign".
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© GettyMelanie Brown with ex-husband Stephen Belafonte.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.