Mel B's ex-husband is suing her for defamation.
The Spice Girls singer split from Stephen Belafonte in March 2017 and claimed he had been abusive during their 10-year marriage, but now the producer is looking to obtain $5 million damages from the 'Stop' hitmaker after claiming she “engaged in a deliberate and wide-ranging campaign to cause him severe emotional distress and destroy his reputation."
According to documents filed in Florida on Wednesday (29.05.24) and obtained by PageSix.com, Stephen alleged Mel began her "long-brewing harassment" in 2017 with her allegations of domestic violence, which she "dismissed" before he was able to have his "day in court".
The documents added: "Nevertheless, the damage had been done. As a result of Ms. Brown’s false allegations of rape, illegal gun possession, sex trafficking, production of illegal pornography, domestic battery and child endangerment, Mr. Belafonte lost access to his home and children."
The 49-year-old producer alleged their marriage was tainted by Mel's “serious substance abuse problem, which included the abuse of cocaine, alcohol and prescription drugs", and noted how he had had primary custody of their 12-year-old daughter Madison since 2019, despite being portrayed as an "abuser" and a "monster". Stephen went on to allege the 'Wannabe' hitmaker has visited their child "only once" over the last four years, despite travelling to the US for work.
Stephen went on to accuse Mel of “enriching herself through her charity ambassadorship at Women’s Aid.”
The bombshell lawsuit also includes text messages supposedly between Mel and her bandmate Geri Horner, which he claimed showed the former 'X Factor' judge's “true intentions are to leverage her charitable appeal for further sales, celebrity and opportunity.”
Mel allegedly wrote: "Charity doesn’t pay the bills."
The reply supposedly from Geri read: "I hope nobody ever hacks your texts!!!!! I believe we should do something good and kicking off with a charity gig would be hugely positive. The power of our brand is enormous and all of our work is off the back of it including Vikki [Victoria Beckham]!!!!!! (sic)"
In response, Mel responded: "Why? My texts are fine to me anyways so no need to worry. Like I said charity doesn’t pay the bills everyone no’s that.(sic)"
The 'Thank You For Smoking' producer is seeking $5 million in compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages and a gagging order against his ex-wife. He is also seeking a trial by jury.
Sources told PageSix Stephen is "not looking to settle" and plans to split any money he is given from the lawsuit with an abuse programme for women.
A spokesperson for Mel - who also has Phoenix, 25, and 17-year-old Angel from previous relationships - has yet to comment.
