Former Spice Girl Mel B has reportedly filed for divorce from her husband of 10 years, Stephen Belafonte.
The news broke this morning, with People magazine claiming to have obtained a copy of divorce papers listing Mel and her producer husband’s separation date as December 28.
They are said to have filed for joint custody of their five-year-old daughter, Madison. Mel, 41, has also reportedly requested to terminate the court’s ability to award spousal support.
Mel and Stephen met back in February 2007, and were married four months later. They welcomed their daughter, Madison, in September 2011. Mel is also mum to 18-year-old Phoenix Chi, her daughter from her first marriage to dancer Jimmy Gulzar; and nine-year-old Angel Iris, her daughter from her relationship with actor Eddie Murphy.
While Mel made several very public declarations of love for Stephen throughout their 10-year marriage, their relationship came under the microscope many times – particularly during Mel’s stint as a judge on The X Factor.
Family and friends expressed concern for the mum-of-three back in 2014, when she appeared on the talent show bearing what appeared to be bruises to her face and arm. Days earlier, Mel had pulled out of the X Factor finals, although she did manage to make it to the finale.
Suspicions regarding her marriage were raised when she flashed her left hand minus her wedding ring, and allegations of false imprisonment were made.
Mel was forced to publicly comment on allegations that she was the victim of domestic abuse, saying in a statement: “I’m very good, was very poorly, but much better now. And for the record, my hubby never would lay a hand on me. Sorry took so long, but any response fuels rumours.”
Stephen, himself, responded on Twitter, writing: “Mel was very ill. A bunch of doctors helped her get better. If fans can’t just relax before being negative, they are not real fans of Mel.”
This is undoubtedly a very difficult time for Mel. Her split announcement comes just a fortnight after she announced the death of her father, Martin Brown.
Sharing the devastating news in a touching Instagram post, Mel confirmed that Martin had passed away after a five-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer. He was 63 years of age.
“Both of us, his children, were by his side and would like to say thank you to St Gemma’s and all the doctors and nurses for their amazing care and support over the years. Please respect our privacy and let us, as a united family, grieve,” she wrote.
