Former Spice Girl Mel B made a bold statement at The Beauty Awards in London on Monday, arriving on the pink carpet with her Yorkshire Terrier, Cookie, whose fur was strikingly dyed pink for the occasion.
A Daring Red Carpet Appearance
The singer, famously known as Scary Spice, commanded attention in a black blazer dress featuring a plunging neckline and a thigh-skimming hemline. She completed her look with a pair of chunky platform boots, while her beloved pet Cookie wore a matching leopard print jumper.
This is not the first time Mel B has chosen to dye her dog's fur; she faced significant criticism from fans in April last year for the same beauty treatment. Despite the previous backlash, where followers urged her to 'let dogs be themselves', she seemingly brushed off the controversy to recreate the colourful look for the beauty-themed ceremony.
Ceremony Highlights and Aftermath
Mel B was joined by a host of other celebrities at the event, including Kerry Katona, Emily Andre, and several Love Island stars. Her husband, Rory McPhee, also attended the ceremony but opted not to walk the pink carpet.
During the photo session, the star had a minor struggle with an overexcited Cookie, eventually deciding to scoop the pooch up into her arms. After the awards, Mel B prioritised comfort, changing into a pink hoodie and joggers for her departure, with a leopard print blanket wrapped around her for warmth.
History of the Pink Pooch Controversy
The decision to dye Cookie's fur last year sparked a heated debate online. Her social media comment section was flooded with negative responses, with one user writing, 'nooooo let dogs and animals be themselves! Their coats are gorgeous colours and don’t need dye to show them off'. Others simply commented 'Nope!' and 'Has she got pink hair?'.
Despite the criticism, Mel B has a famously close bond with her dog. She previously joked during her 2019 show, Brutally Honest & Fabulous, that Cookie is 'easier to handle than Victoria Beckham'. She explained that although she initially didn't want the dog, a gift from a friend, she fell in love with her and now takes her everywhere.
