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Mel B’s ex-husband Stephen Belafonte demands $5M from Spice Girl in defamation lawsuit, plans to donate to battered women shelters

  2024-06-09 pagesixFrancesca Bacardi31500
Introduction

Stephen Belafonte wants to take Mel B to court.The film producer filed a bombshell $5 million defamation lawsuit against

Mel B’s ex-husband Stephen Belafo<i></i>nte demands $5M from Spice Girl in defamation lawsuit, plans to do<i></i>nate to battered women shelters

Stephen Belafonte wants to take Mel B to court.

The film producer filed a bombshell $5 million defamation lawsuit against the Spice Girls member, whose real name is Melanie Brown, in a Florida court Wednesday, claiming she “engaged in a deliberate and wide-ranging campaign to cause him severe emotional distress and destroy his reputation,” court documents obtained by Pvnew exclusively reveal.

Belafonte, who submitted the suit on what happens to be Brown’s 49th birthday, further alleges that his ex-wife began her “long-brewing harassment” in 2017 with domestic violence claims, which she “dismissed” before he had “his day in court.”

mel b and stephen belafonte
Stephen Belafonte is suing his ex-wife Mel B for defamation. Getty Images
stephen belafo<i></i>nte giving a peace sign
The film producer is demanding $5 million from the Spice Girls member. Getty Images
In the documents, obtained by Pvnew exclusively, Belafonte alleges the pop star “engaged in a deliberate and wide-ranging campaign to cause him severe emotional distress and destroy his reputation.” GC Images

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Stephen Belafo<i></i>nte and Mel B split image.

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“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 documents read.

Belafonte, also 49, notes in his lawsuit that despite Scary Spice accusing him of being a “monster” and “abuser,” he has maintained primary custody of their 12-year-old daughter, Madison, since 2019. He further alleges the “Wannabe” singer has visited their child “only once” in the past four years even though she has traveled to the US for work.

In the legal papers, the “Thank You for Smoking” producer includes text messages purportedly sent between Brown and her bandmate Geri Halliwell that show Brown’s “true intentions are to leverage her charitable appeal for further sales, celebrity and opportunity.”

mel b and stephen belafo<i></i>nte grocery shopping
Belafonte accused his e-wife, whose real name is Melanie Brown, of branding him a “monster” and “abuser” without any evidence. GC Images
the spice girls
The “Thank You for Smoking” producer included text messages purportedly sent between Brown and her bandmate Geri Halliwell, in which she appeared to shoot down charity work despite “enriching herself” through philanthropy. Getty Images

“Charity doesn’t pay the bills,” Brown allegedly wrote, to which Halliwell responded, “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]!!!!!!”

Seemingly unfazed, Brown 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 [sic] that.”

Despite Brown’s “private” beliefs about philanthropy, Belafonte accuses his former spouse of “enriching herself through her charity ambassadorship at Women’s Aid.”

mel b and stephen belafonte
As a result of the former “X Factor” judge’s “false” claims, Belafonte temporarily lost access to their daughter, Madison, and was “treated like a criminal.” Dimitrios Kambouris
stephen belafo<i></i>nte and mel b
He also claimed in the lawsuit that their marriage, which lasted nearly a decade, was marred by the performer’s “serious substance abuse problem.” Getty Images

He also claims in the documents that their marriage was marred by the former “X Factor” judge’s “serious substance abuse problem, which included the abuse of cocaine, alcohol and prescription drugs.”

We’re told Belafonte is “not looking to settle” and plans to split any earnings he wins from the lawsuit with an abuse program for women.

Brown filed for divorce from Belafonte in March 2017 after nearly 10 years of marriage. Although she said years prior that he would never “lay a hand” on her, she changed her tune after their split and accused him of beating and sexually exploiting her.

mel b performing
Brown filed for divorce from the producer in March 2017. Redferns
stephen belafo<i></i>nte peace sign
In an early interview, she claimed her now-ex-husband would “never lay a hand on her” but later changed her tune and accused him of abuse. WireImage,,
He vehemently denied the allegations. Dave Benett/Getty Images

The “Spice World” actress also alleged Belafonte had impregnated their nanny and received a restraining order against him to protect her and Madison. The former nanny, named Lorraine Gilles, turned around and claimed in court documents that the ex-couple had “seduced” her into having threesomes and filmed them.

Belafonte vehemently denied the allegations.

The divorce only worsened from there, with the British pop star cutting off Belafonte from her bank accounts — and her $50 million fortune.

mel b
The bitter divorce battle worsened exponentially when Brown accused Belafonte of impregnating their nanny. Getty Images
The “America’s Got Talent” judge took out a restraining order against both Belafonte and the nanny, but she eventually withdrew it. WireImage

In May 2017, the “Mutant Chronicles” producer broke his silence on the months-long accusations, calling Brown a “dangerous liar” in a series of explosive social media posts. Belafonte’s claims came after he filed court documents alleging he was homeless and struggling to pay off a $60,000 credit card bill.

In September of that year, Belafonte accused the former “America’s Got Talent” judge of failing to provide evidence of his alleged abuse.

The duo eventually settled their bitter divorce battle in December 2017, though the feuding did not end there. Three months later, Brown claimed Belafonte had showed her kids videos of ISIS beheadings, which he vehemently denied and responded by accusing her of being a drug addict.

The pair finalized their divorce in August 2018, and the “Spice Up Your Life” singer had to pay Belafonte’s $350,000 legal fees.

Melanie 'Mel B' Brown and Stephen Belafonte
Belafonte wants a gag order placed on Brown to prevent her from making any further disparaging remarks. Getty Images for Lacoste
Melanie 'Mel B' Brown and Stephen Belafonte
He also wants a trial by jury. FilmMagic

Brown since has gotten engaged to hairstylist Rory McPhee.

In addition to the $5 million in compensatory damages, Belafonte wants a trial by jury, punitive damages and a gag order against Brown.

A rep for Brown had no comment on the lawsuit.

(By/Francesca Bacardi)
 
 
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