Mel B’s ‘cocaine and alcohol addiction caused serious issues in marriage’ estranged husband claims

Allegations: Mel B ex husband has accused her of being a habitual drug user
Mike Windle/Getty Images
Chloe Chaplain2 September 2017
The Weekender

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Mel B’s estranged husband has claimed the singer battled a cocaine and alcohol addiction during her marriage which was a “major issue” and impacted her ability to care for her children.

In the latest round of their divorce battle, Stephen Belafonte has accused the former Spice Girl of being a “habitual and consistent” user of the drug and said her “addiction” was witnessed by their nanny and marriage therapist.

It is the latest accusation to arise from the couples’ bitter and public divorce proceedings.

The Leeds-born singer, real name Melanie Brown, previously alleged that Belafonte tormented her with years of physical and mental abuse.

Singer: Mel B is embroiled in a legal battle with her ex
Rich Fury/Getty

Then it was alleged mother-of-three Brown, 42, led an "extravagant" lifestyle and had "wiped out" her 50 million dollar (£39 million) fortune.

Divorce: The couple separated in March
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

This week Belafonte, also 42, made the fresh allegations in a declaration filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

He wrote: "(Her) drinking and drug abuse had been a major issue throughout our marriage, and was witnessed by the nanny and her own therapist.

Allegations: Picture submitted to the LA Superior Court allegedly showing a facial injury suffered by Mel B
PA

"Simply put, this was a constant problem and issue in our marriage."

The court has been presented with images of Brown with facial injuries which she claim were inflicted by Belafonte, but his lawyers have dismissed her allegations as "nothing more than a smear campaign".

Brown married the film producer in Las Vegas in June 2007 and filed for divorce on March 20, citing "irreconcilable differences". The pair are scheduled for a voluntary settlement conference on September 15.

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