Mel B’s lawyers have claimed that her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte “tried to kill her” after she swallowed a bottle of aspirin in 2014.
One of Mel’s lawyers Susan Wiesner said at a court hearing in LA, “Mr Belafonte actually tried to kill her. When she was so distraught she took a bottle of aspirin and Mr Belafonte would not allow her to get help. She tried to get help and he shut the door.”
According to the Press Association, another lawyer representing Mel, Larry Bakman, also said “That abuse occurred while the kids were present in the residence.”
However, Stephen’s lawyer Ms Grace Jamra hit back at the allegations by saying that they are part of “an ongoing smear campaign”, as Stephen appeared at Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday – after Mel was granted a temporary restraining order against him.
Scary: Mel’s lawyers have claimed that Stephen tried to kill her back in 2014 | YOUTUBE
The former Spice Girl was not present for the hearing.
Mel’s lawyer Larry Bakman said in court, “We are developing new evidence against Mr Belafonte each and every day with respect to . . . the use of assets for various illegal nefarious activities.”
“He’s a convicted domestic violence offender and we have credible evidence that he had a firearm in his possession which is against federal law,” he said.
The star’s lawyer also said that he expects the divorce trial to take at least 10 to 15 days, as 20 witnesses had already come forward and “that witness list is growing daily”.
However, Stephen’s lawyer told the court, “We’re not going to address evidence that is being developed or fabricated or manufactured.”
Stay away: Mel was granted a temporary restraining order after accusing Stephen of abusing her | INSTAGRAM
Mel B, real name Melanie Brown, was granted a temporary restraining order earlier this month after she sensationally claimed that Stephen has abused her both physically and mentally throughout their marriage.
In court papers, she alleged that she was the victim of “multiple physical beatings”, that he blackmailed her by threatening to release sex tapes, and that he impregnated their nanny.
Stephen has since denied the claims.
