Simon Cowell was noticeably absent from Mel B’s lavish wedding ceremony in London, despite having RSVP'd to attend the highly anticipated event alongside his fiancée, Lauren Silverman.
The 65-year-old music mogul was expected to join A-list guests, including Emma Bunton, Cara Delevingne and Katherine Ryan, as Mel B, 50, tied the knot with hairstylist Rory McPhee, 38, at St Paul’s Cathedral. However, as the Spice Girl walked down the aisle, there was no sign of Cowell, leaving guests puzzled.
Cowell’s absence has raised eyebrows, particularly since it was reported that he would be attending the ceremony alongside his longtime industry rival, Simon Fuller. The wedding was believed to be a rare occasion where both music titans -- known for their decades-long feud -- would cross paths.
According to MailOnline, sources had described the situation as a potentially “awkward reunion,” given the bitter history between the X Factor creator and the man who managed the Spice Girls at their peak. Their rivalry dates back to a £100 million lawsuit filed by Fuller after Cowell launched The X Factor, and further tensions flared in 2011 over producer credits.
Mel B and Cowell have shared a long-standing professional relationship, having judged together on The X Factor and America’s Got Talent. Despite Mel previously revealing Cowell had once fired her from AGT, the two appeared to reconcile when she returned for the show’s 20th anniversary season earlier this year.
The bride dazzled in a pearl-adorned white gown while the groom, Rory, donned traditional Scottish attire, including a red and green tartan kilt. Emma Bunton was the only Spice Girl in attendance, leading the celebrity guests at the grand venue. Victoria Beckham and Melanie C posted warm wishes on social media, while Geri Halliwell remained silent.
Following the ceremony, guests joined the newlyweds at a £28,000 reception held at The Shard, where Mel’s Yorkshire Terrier, Cookie, reportedly served as ring bearer.
This marks Mel’s third marriage, following previous unions with Jimmy Gulzar and Stephen Belafonte. She got engaged to Rory in 2022 after three years of dating, crediting him for helping her regain confidence after a difficult past.