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 Page Six 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.”
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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.”
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
