Her husband’s sexting scandal was one of the most talked about news stories of 2024, and it was dredged up again last week when it emerged that Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell has changed her name.
Geri, 52 – who was pictured last week out and about in one of her signature white outfits – recently responded to the speculation that she changed her married name from Geri Horner to Geri Halliwell-Horner because of the fallout from her husband Christian’s sexting scandal.
In an interview she said, ‘That's a load of crap. It’s my writing name. I haven’t legally changed anything – Horner is the name on my passport.’ In the interview with The Times, she also detailed her home life with 51-year-old Christian, saying, ‘We walk the dogs together, we like walking. I bought him a goldendoodle for his birthday… We’re very much old-school and family focused,’ adding, ‘We’re quite silly!’
And now insiders tell Closer that although it’s been a year since her husband was accused of ‘inappropriate and controlling behaviour’ by a female colleague, Geri is still haunted by the story.
‘Geri was mortified when the scandal came out. She wanted this image of the perfect wife, perfect marriage, but it’s not perfect at all.
'She’s taken a leaf out of Victoria’s [Beckham] book after the Rebecca Loos alleged affair scandal. She kept a dignified front with her husband David in front of the cameras during all the furore over the claims – and Geri is determined to keep everything dignified in public.’
News broke last February that Christian – the team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing – was being investigated for abusive behaviour and sexual harassment, allegations he denied and was cleared of after a three-week investigation.
However, 24 hours after the inquiry was closed, WhatsApp messages allegedly sent between him and the colleague were leaked, although another investigation was not opened.
Geri – who married Christian in 2015 – has stood by her husband and is said to be confident that they can come through the other side. Sources tell Closer that despite putting on a united front, it’s been a hard time for her.
‘Geri wants to put on a confident front to the world. She’s very emotional; she’s still upset and does worry about her public image. She’s not in a good place, despite all the positive interviews.’