A Netflix crew caught the moment Christian Horner’s alleged ‘sexting’ scandal broke out in Bahrain as his Spice Girl wife Geri landed.
The Drive to Survive series won’t air until next year, but now features behind-the-scenes footage of how the couple dealt with the scandal surrounding the alleged text messages.
The woman, who has since been suspended, accused the Red Bull team boss of ‘coercive behavior’ – a claim of which he was acquitted last Wednesday in an internal investigation before WhatsApps of an allegedly suggestive nature were leaked the next day.
The camera crew was shooting just as Geri landed and the news broke.
And a source told the Mirror that producers of Box to Box films couldn’t believe their luck.
“The next series will be TV gold – as the stories go, it’s better than anyone could have hoped for,” they told the paper.
The Drive to Survive series won’t air until next year, but now features behind-the-scenes footage of how the couple dealt with the scandal surrounding the alleged text messages. Pictured: Christian and Geri Horner in Bahrain
Christian and Geri Horner kiss before the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
The camera crew was shooting just as Geri landed and the news broke
A source told the Mirror that producers of Box to Box films couldn’t believe their luck
“Everyone will be watching to see how it all went.”
The revelation comes as Geri’s former bandmate Melanie Brown, 40, has said the girl group messages her around the clock and would do anything to support her.
Mel B said that while she doesn’t know the full picture, it was “horrible” to see what Geri has been through, and that the band all wants to protect her.
She told the Mirror: ‘We are all so supportive of each other, we would literally take a bullet for each other. All four of us messaged her, I messaged her earlier.
“I just feel for her, and…oh my God. I just feel sad. But she knows there are four people with her.”
“It’s horrible to see your friend go through something – something you don’t quite know what it is – but that’s your friend and you want to protect her no matter what.”
The comments come as Geri is set to attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a show of support for her embattled husband after his female accuser was suspended.
Mail Sport understands that the decision to suspend her is a direct result of the investigation’s findings. She was told her evidence was ‘dishonest’.
Christian Horner and Geri Horner walk hand in hand through the Paddock prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix
Geri’s former bandmate Melanie Brown, 40, has said the singers have been sending her messages around the clock saying they would do anything to support her.
The former Spice Girl attended the Bahrain GP on Saturday in a defiant show of support for her husband, 51, with sources now claiming she will continue to support her husband.
A source told Sun Online today: ‘It was difficult for Geri in Bahrain but she was determined to show that her marriage is still strong and she will do the same at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
‘Christian is full of praise for her support and wants the world to know they are still a real couple.
‘She has been in the public eye for years as a Spice Girl and can handle the attention well.’
Horner faced reporters at a press conference yesterday and admitted the saga had taken its toll on his family, while fending off questions about the woman at the center of it.
He also said his wife and former Spice Girl had been ‘hugely supportive’, but admitted the scandal had been ‘really tough’ on his family.
“It’s obviously been a very difficult period,” he said. ‘I am married and have three children. And when that intrusion includes your children and the control placed on your marriage.
The comments come as Geri is set to attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a show of support for her embattled husband after his female accuser was suspended. Pictured: Geri and Christian Horner during the Bahrain Grand Prix last week
Facing reporters at a press conference yesterday, Horner admitted the saga had taken its toll on his family, while fending off questions about the woman at the center of it
‘I am lucky to have a beautiful family and a very supportive wife. Of course it is very difficult, it is very challenging. When there are children involved, parents, families, it’s not pretty.”
He added that the complaint had been “handled in the most professional manner” by Red Bull’s parent company, which had appointed one of the best “QCs in the country”.
‘He interviewed everyone involved, but also other interested parties. He looked at everything and came to the conclusion that he rejected the complaint.
“As far as I am concerned, and as far as Red Bull is concerned, we have moved on and we are looking to the future. It is now time to draw a line under that.’
Referring to the messages sent last week, he said: “I think a lot of information about this has been leaked in a private and confidential matter between the employees and the company.”
But he declined to comment further on the employee’s suspension, saying the “grievance process” was “confidential between the individuals and the company.”
After the dramatic announcement of the suspension, a Red Bull spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on an internal employee matter.” The investigation reportedly involved 60 hours of evidence and culminated in a 150-page report by a London QC.
The employee can still appeal against the outcome of the investigation. The period to do this extends over five days from the time the official legal letters are served on both parties, which is believed to have been on Monday or Tuesday of this week.
He added that the complaint had been “handled in the most professional manner” by Red Bull GmbH’s parent company.
Horner, whose team made the perfect start to their double title defense in the season opener, was keen to put the spotlight back on the Grand Prix on Saturday.
After answering a barrage of questions on the subject, he called for an end to the invasion of his private life and a focus on racing.
“The infringement on my family is enough now,” he said. ‘We have to move forward. It is now time to focus on why we are here, which is to race in Formula 1.”
Last week, ahead of the letters, Red Bull’s GmbH released a statement saying: ‘The independent investigation into the allegations against Mr Horner has been completed and Red Bull can confirm that the complaint has been dismissed.
‘The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull is confident that the investigation was fair, rigorous and impartial.
‘The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties who participated in the investigation. Out of respect for all involved, we will therefore make no further comment. Red Bull will continue to strive to meet the highest standards in the workplace.”