Mel B’s Estranged Ex Stephen Belafonte Denies Abuse Allegations
Stephen Belafonte, Mel B's ex and estranged husband, denied the Spice Girls singer's allegations that he was abusive to her during their ten year marriage on Wednesday.
Belafonte's lawyer issued a statement to Entertainment Tonight on April 5, saying, "What matters most to Mr. Belafonte is the safety and well-being of his daughters and step-daughters. It's a shame that Ms. Brown elected not to proceed in a respectful and amicable fashion in this very private matter. In due course, Mr. Belafonte will be filing his response to the outrageous and unfounded allegations made by Ms. Brown, which he vehemently denies."
The statement refers to allegations made by Melanie "Mel B" Brown in which the America’s Got Talent judge claimed Belafonte physically and emotionally abused her during their relationship, including extorting her sexually by making a sex tape without her consent.
"When the Court determines the truth, it will become clear that this entire charade was nothing more than a smear campaign intended to cover up Ms. Brown's own conduct during the marriage in light of her current involvement with a family television show, and in an effort to unfairly gain leverage both financially and with respect to custody of the children," the statement continues. "When the degree to which Ms. Brown has gone to create a false depiction of her marriage to Mr. Belafonte is uncovered, real victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse will be understandably offended, angry and upset."
On Monday, April 3, a judge ordered Belafonte, who shares a 5-year-old daughter with Brown, to move out of their family home. He was also issued a restraining order, while Brown was granted temporary legal and physical custody of their child.
Brown filed for divorce from Belafonte back on March 20.
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