Mel B’s ex-husband, Stephen Belafonte, is making headlines as he files a lawsuit against the Spice Girls singer for defamation. The producer is seeking $5 million in damages, alleging that Mel engaged in a deliberate campaign to cause him severe emotional distress and destroy his reputation.
According to court documents filed in Florida, Stephen claims that Mel began a “long-brewing harassment” in 2017 with her allegations of domestic violence, which he says were dismissed before he had a chance to defend himself in court. As a result, he lost access to his home and children, despite having primary custody of their daughter since 2019.
The lawsuit also includes text messages between Mel and her bandmate Geri Horner, which Stephen claims show Mel’s true intentions to leverage her charitable appeal for personal gain. Mel allegedly wrote, “Charity doesn’t pay the bills,” to which Geri responded with a suggestion for a charity gig to positively impact their brand.
Stephen is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a gagging order against Mel. He is also requesting a trial by jury and plans to split any money received from the lawsuit with an abuse program for women.
Mel, who has yet to comment on the lawsuit, has three children from previous relationships. The legal battle between Mel B and Stephen Belafonte is sure to continue making headlines as the case unfolds.