Melanie Chisholm, best known as Mel C, has opened up about the personal toll of Geri Halliwell's controversial 1996 declaration Margaret Thatcher was "the first Spice Girl".
Speaking on the Louis Theroux Podcast, the 52-year-old singer revealed her bandmate's remarks to The Spectator were "very difficult for me" given her working-class background in the North West.
"I grew up in the Northwest of England," she told Mr Theroux.
"My whole family are from Liverpool. On my dad's side of the family, the men have worked on the docks, or they did work on the docks for generations."
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Ms Chisholm made clear Ms Halliwell's political stance did not reflect her own views.
The singer explained one of the challenges of being in the Spice Girls was individual opinions could be attributed to the entire group.
"I think that was one of the things that was hard about the Spice Girls: that we could get tarred with the same brush," she said.
"If somebody had an opinion, a political opinion, everyone would think that's what everybody thought and felt, and it wasn't the case."
Mel C said Geri Halliwell's Margaret Thatcher comments were 'very difficult' for her
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Returning home to Liverpool after Ms Halliwell's comments proved particularly uncomfortable for the young performer.
"Being a young girl going back to Liverpool It's like, 'Oh, the Spice Girls have said this.' It's just like, 'Sh*t, I didn't say it'."
Despite the tensions over political statements, Ms Chisholm emphasised the five members remain united.
She expressed frustration at being introduced as a "former Spice Girl" during her solo performances, telling Theroux: "I'm really offended. Because once a Spice Girl, always a Spice Girl. I think we all feel like that."
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Geri Halliwell sparked controversy after describing Margaret Thatcher as 'the first Spice Girl'
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The singer was adamant the group's bond remains intact.
"No one's left," she stated. "There might be times we choose not to work in that arena, but we're still Spice Girls."
The band members continue to maintain close relationships, regularly gathering for birthdays and other celebrations.
When Mr Theroux asked whether the group was preparing anything special to mark the milestone, she confirmed discussions were underway.
"We want to. Everything's in discussion. But it's a really positive time for us," she said.
Margaret Thatcher became the centre of a Spice Girls controversy after Geri Halliwell's remarks
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The singer also revealed the band is currently exploring "lots of great opportunities" together.
Earlier this year, Ms Chisholm had indicated the group were closer to reuniting than they had been "in a very long time".
She released her most recent solo record, Sweat, in May.