Mel B has sensationally claimed that her estranged husband Stephen Belafonte drugged her throughout their marriage.
The former Spice Girl filed for divorce from the producer in March (17) after almost 10 years of marriage and claimed she was the victim of domestic abuse, and their divorce has become increasingly ugly ever since.
Lawyers for the former couple appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday (25Oct17) and during the hearing, one of Stephen’s lawyers, Philip Cohen, revealed what the singer had claimed during a recent out-of-court testimony.
“Ms Brown now takes the position she was drugged by Mr Belafonte throughout the course of the marriage,” he said, adding that she alleged she had been drugged throughout “much to most” of their relationship and during the making of some of their intimate home videos.
During the hearing, Mel B’s lawyer Susan Wiesner said Mel did not give consent to the sex shown in some of the tapes or being recorded, while his lawyers contend that all the videos submitted to evidence were consensual.
Relaying the singer’s testimony, Cohen also said that “for ten years Ms Brown tried to get out of this relationship and every time she tried she was threatened with these tapes.”
It is thought that some of the video evidence, including some footage reportedly showing Mel with drugs, may be shown in court during the trial, which is scheduled to begin on 6 November and last for two weeks. Judge Juhas ruled that the court would be closed when footage of a sexual nature is shown.
He also added, “This case has gotten a bit out of control. I’m going to do what I can to get it back to where it needs to be.”
Mel currently has a restraining order against her ex and her former nanny Lorraine Gilles, who reportedly had sexual relations with Stephen. Judge Juhas ruled that, despite the order, Gilles‘ lawyer can question Mel in a deposition.
