Simon reaches out to Mel: “I’ll help you through rehab”
Simon Cowell has promised to support Mel B as she seeks treatment following her traumatic divorce from Stephen Belafonte
She sensationally S revealed last week that she’s checking herself into rehab – seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following her bitter divorce from Stephen Belafonte and the death of her father last year.
And as Mel B, 43, prepares to enter the facility next month, pals say Simon Cowell, 58 – who has worked alongside the former Spice Girl on America’s Got Talent and The X Factor – has stepped in to support her.
EMOTIONAL PRESSURE
The mum-of-three – who alleged that she had suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her ex during their turbulent ten-year marriage (allegations of which he was subsequently cleared by the courts) – was at the music mogul’s side when he received his star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame last month, just days before she revealed she was going to rehab. She later shot down reports it was for alcoholism and sex addiction.
A source says, “Mel’s been in a dark place for the past few months and has continued to spiral. It’s been tough for her recently and friends were worried she was about to crack under all the emotional pressure. Her behaviour became more and more erratic and she didn’t seem like her usual self.
“Simon’s always been incredibly loyal and was there supporting her in the background through her divorce, so as soon as she admitted she needed help, he got his team to find the best rehab centre.”
Mel’s had a roller-coaster life in the spotlight. She endured a messy divorce battle from her first husband, dancer Jimmy Gulzar, who recently called her a “narcissist” and claimed she tried to sabotage his relationship with their now 18-year-old daughter, Phoenix Chi.
SPICE GIRLS REUNION
She was then forced into a bitter paternity battle with her ex, actor Eddie Murphy, 57, over their daughter, Angel, now 11. Mel was also sued for libel by her former nanny, Lorraine Gilles, and was estranged from her parents and sister for a decade due to a rift between them and Stephen, 43.
Despite her inner circle getting smaller, with only a few people she can trust, insiders say Mel has received support from Cheryl, 35 – who she met on The X Factor. Last week, Mel’s pal and fellow America’s Got Talent judge Heidi Klum publically offered her support, saying, “I am her friend, I have been for many years. If she needs my help I’ve always offered it to her and she can come and chat with me.”
Her former Spice Girl band mates, Emma Bunton and Mel C, have also reached out, amid reports they, along with Geri Horner, are set to reunite for a 13-date tour across the UK next year, without Victoria Beckham.
The source says, “Mel feels humbled by the support she’s had from old friends and colleagues. Everyone wants her to get better and be back to her old self for the tour, so her loved ones are all rallying round to ensure she slows down and gets the help she needs to recover.
“It’s been a turbulent few years, but Mel’s determined to put the past behind her so she can move on to a more positive future and be ready for the tour.”