In a startling revelation that exposes the dark underbelly of the 90s music industry, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt has broken her silence about the intense pressure her bandmate Nicole Appleton faced from record executives.
The pop star, now 48, recounted how management actively encouraged Appleton to have an abortion during the band's commercial peak, prioritising chart success over personal wellbeing.
The Chilling Conversation
"I remember when Nicole found out she was pregnant," Blatt revealed during a candid podcast appearance. "The reaction from certain people in positions of power was absolutely shocking."
Rather than offering support, Blatt claims record label bosses saw the pregnancy as a business problem that needed solving. "They actually sat her down and suggested termination was the best option for her career and the band's future," she disclosed.
Industry Priorities Exposed
This disturbing account highlights the immense pressure young female artists faced during the lucrative 90s pop era. Record labels often treated their stars as commodities rather than human beings with personal lives and choices.
"It was a different time, but that doesn't excuse the behaviour," Blatt reflected. "The message was clear: your personal life comes second to commercial success."
Surviving the Pressure
Despite the intense pressure, Appleton ultimately made her own decision and welcomed son Gene in 1999 with then-partner Robbie Williams. The band continued to achieve massive success, proving that personal choices needn't derail professional accomplishments.
Blatt's revelations have sparked important conversations about the treatment of women in entertainment and how much has - or hasn't - changed in the decades since.
The music industry continues to grapple with these issues, though many hope increased awareness and the #MeToo movement have created safer environments for today's artists.
