Did Mel’s toxic relationship cost her everything?
● Millions squandered on diamond jewellery, custom-made cars and a private island ● Friends reveal star plans to lift the lid on ex Stephen’s spending ● She turns to reconciled family for support after ending 10-year feud over her ex-husband
t was reported I that bitter rows over her £40million fortune were at the centre of their split.
And shocking new details emerged last week of Mel B and Stephen Belafonte’s lavish lifestyle and uncontrollable spending as their toxic divorce battle continued.
At a hearing in LA, it was revealed how the “broke” former Spice Girl, 42, has just £961 left in her company account due to “improvident lifestyle choices” and “never having enough money at the end of the year to pay taxes.”
LAVISH LIFESTYLE
Mel, who amassed her fortune during her pop star heyday and more recently her judging role on America’s Got Talent, told the court how her megabucks lifestyle has seen her blow her millions on jewellery, including a £425,000 pear-shaped diamond ring, rare designer bags, a fleet of armoured cars including a £200,000 custom bomb-proof Cadillac Escalade, lavish holidays and a £1million private island as a birthday gift to Stephen, also 42.
And after the film producer – who’s been accused of a catalogue of domestic abuse against the star and has been given a restraining order – reportedly demanded spousal support as he has no income, pals say Mel is adamant he won’t get a penny from her and plans to spill secrets on his spending.
According to reports, Mel, who is said to still be earning around £190,000 a month for
her role on America’s Got Talent, blocked Stephen from accessing all of their bank accounts after claiming he controlled their finances during their turbulent 10-year marriage.
A source reveals: “Mel feels that Stephen has played a huge part in squandering their money over the years and is planning to try to prove it. Her lawyers are going through all of their accounts to try to build up a case against him.”
CARELESS SPENDING
The source adds: “He’s barely worked since being with Mel, despite previously being a successful producer, and Mel feels she has propped him up financially.
“Mel knows she’s been careless with her spending and has made her own mistakes, but she’s hellbent on ensuring Stephen doesn’t get his hands on any more of her hard-earned money and she’s out to do everything in her power to stop him in his tracks.”
Stephen is rumoured to have £47k in credit card debt he’s struggling to pay, and in divorce papers has reportedly claimed: “We lived a very comfortable, upper-class lifestyle. Money was never an obstacle.”
Meanwhile, as Closer has previously reported, fears have been mounting over Mel’s shrinking frame as she copes with the stress of the divorce. And Closer sources revealed in April that the former X Factor judge – who has five-yearold Madison with Stephen and is also mum to Phoenix, 18, and Angel, 10, from previous relationships – had been receiving counselling to deal with the alleged emotional and physical torment she received at the hands of Stephen. Stephen has categorically denied all claims of domestic abuse, calling Mel’s accusations “outrageous and unfounded.”
Pals say the singer has been gathering strength from her mum, Andrea, and sister, Danielle, with whom she was rumoured to have recently reconciled with following a nearly decade-long fallout over her relationship with Stephen. The Californian has a chequered past, including previous arrests for burglary and theft, and pleaded “no contest” – an admission of guilt – to a charge of battery against a former girlfriend.
A source says: “Andrea and Danielle have been giving Mel a huge amount of support, which has given her the courage to fight back against Stephen, as well as help her deal with the aftermath of what she’s been through.
“Now Mel’s repaired the relationship with her family and has a solid support system behind her, she’s determined not to let Stephen get the better of her and to fight him to the bitter end. She just wants to finally put this nightmare behind her and move on with her life.”
❛She’s determined to fight Stephen to the bitter end❜