Geri Halliwell faces fresh torment as WhatsApp texts and photos ‘sent by F1 husband Christian Horner to a female employee’ are leaked day after she said she was relieved he was cleared by Red Bull probe

Geri Halliwell faces further agony tonight after WhatsApp conversations and images purportedly exchanged by her Formula One husband Christian Horner with a female employee were released.

The series of texts, which included 79 screenshots, came only a day after the Spice Girl told friends she was’relieved and happy’ that her husband of nine years had been exonerated of a Red Bull inquiry.

Horner was placed in the center of an internal investigation after being accused of inappropriate behavior.
Despite being ‘devastated’ when the charges initially surfaced, the popstar, 51, stood by her husband, who categorically refuted the allegations.

Friends said she learned last night that her ‘rock solid’ support for her husband had been rewarded, with Horner absolved of any wrongdoing.

The Englishman, who was cleared of ‘coercive behavior’ by Red Bull’s Salzburg-based parent business, was free to continue as team principal of the world championship-winning squad, earning £8 million per year.

only over 24 hours later, the couple has been thrust back into the spotlight after an unknown sender emailed a series of emails to prominent figures in sport only days before the Middle East Grand Prix begins.

The breach, which included hundreds of WhatsApp communications, was forwarded to FIA President Mohammad Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. All team principals, including star driver Max Verstappen’s father Jos, were copied in.

Shortly after the messages and images were leaked, Horner issued a statement saying, “I will not comment on anonymous speculation, but to reiterate, I have always denied the allegations.”

‘I recognized the independent investigation’s credibility and cooperated completely throughout.

‘An independent professional barrister undertook a thorough and fair investigation, which culminated with the complaint being dismissed. I am completely focused on the start of the season.

It was reported that Halliwell intended to fly to Bahrain to support her husband and watch the opening of the 2024 Formula One season. It is unclear whether this is still the case.

The world champion team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH in Salzburg, which initiated the review on February 5, stated on Wednesday: “The independent investigation into the allegations made against Mr Horner is complete, and Red Bull can confirm that the grievance has been dismissed.”

‘The complainant has the right to appeal. Red Bull is sure that the inquiry was fair, thorough, and impartial.

‘The investigation report is confidential and contains the private information of the parties and third parties that assisted in the inquiry, so we will not comment further out of respect for everyone involved. Red Bull will continue to strive for the greatest workplace standards.’

Earlier today, Horner broke his silence on the subject, telling Sky Sports as he prepared for the Grand Prix that he is ‘pleased the process is completed’ but ‘cannot comment’ on it.

‘The focus is now on the Grand Prix and the upcoming season, as well as defending both of our titles,’ he said.

When asked if he thought that was the end of the matter, the Red Bull CEO responded: ‘I can’t offer you any further remark because the procedure has been completed and closed.

‘I’m delighted to be in Bahrain and look forward to the season ahead. The team’s unity has never been stronger.

Halliwell, who has a seven-year-old son named Monty with Horner, has made no public statements about the probe, but a friend previously told MailOnline she was ‘devastated’ when the details emerged.

A source close to the pair stated yesterday night that the last several weeks have been ‘hell for Christian and his family’, adding that he has always dismissed the charges as ‘crazy’.

They told the Sun: “Geri has been rock solid behind Christian – and his entire family is relieved and elated that it’s over.”

‘Those emotions are present, but no one close to Christian feels like rejoicing after what he’s been through.’

The strong spotlight on Horner is reported to have had an impact on the couple’s domestic life, which they divide between their farmhouse and stables in Oxfordshire and a home in North London.