Fears have been raised for the safety of Mel B’s kids after her claims that her husband Stephen Belafonte subjected her to physical and sexual abuse.
Last week, Mel obtained a restraining order against her husband, and he left the family home.
In court documents, as part of their divorce battle, Mel stated: “I am in fear for my safety and that of my children.
“Likewise, emotional and physical abuse in the presence of the minor child is tantamount to abuse of the minor child.”
Mel and Stephen have one child together, Madison, five, and he is also stepfather to Angel, 10 and Phoenix, 18. Stephen has reportedly asked for visitation rights to Madison and Angel, but Mel has asked for full custody, according to The Mirror.
Police raided the couple’s home two weeks ago, after Mel alleged that Stephen had a gun on the premises. Stephen has a previous conviction for domestic abuse and is banned from owning a firearm.
Mel’s children could be taken into care if it was deemed they are at risk. Agents from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services can interview Mel, her husband and the kids about the allegations of abuse.
Social workers will consider whether Stephen poses a threat to his daughter Madison and stepchildren Angel and Phoenix.
Mel alleged Stephen beat her on several occasions, coerced her into threesomes, and threatened to end her career and have her children taken away by releasing sex tapes of her. On Friday, a judge granted an order to prevent Stephen releasing any sex tapes or sexually explicit photographs of his wife.
She also alleges he was jealous of her success and used violence to control her. Mel said Stephen “would beat me down to let me know he was in charge”.
She also alleges Stephen “punched her and split her lip” after becoming jealous while she filmed a segment with Usher for The X Factor, back in 2012. He allegedly accused Mel of flirting with Usher during the segment.
Court documents also claim that Stephen flew into a jealous rage after Mel’s triumphant performance with The Spice Girls at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.
It’s reported that he punched her with a closed fist and pushed her down on the carpet, which caused carpet burns and scabs on her face.
It’s also alleged he got their nanny pregnant, then paid her $300,000 of Mel’s money to have an abortion.
Stephen has denied all of the claims.
