Stephen Belafonte Denies Physically Abusing His Spice Girl Wife Mel B

Producer tweeted that his wife was "very ill"

By Francesca Bacardi Dec 15, 2014 2:03 PMTags
Mel B, Stephen BelafonteNeil Warner/Splash News

After an outcry from Melanie Brown's fans overloaded Twitter Sunday night upon seeing her bruise appearance on The X Factor U.K., her husband, Stephen Belafonte, slammed rumors that he physically abused his wife.

The former Spice Girls member was rushed to the hospital Thursday night, forcing her to miss Saturday night's live show and be replaced by former judge Tulisa Contostavlos. When she returned in time for Sunday's performances, fans immediately noticed some bruising and scratches on her face and skin and also spotted her missing wedding ring. After that, people started speculating that her husband might have had something to do with her hospital stay.

"Mel B's got a well iffy bruise on her cheek, scratches on the top of her arms and no wedding ring...#xfactor," Twitter user @tomstonerman wrote, while @mrlukerobinson tweeted, "So Mel B was APPARANTLY beaten up by her husband that's why she couldn't make it last night. Hense the bruise on cheek and no wedding ring."

But apparently enough was enough for Belafonte, as he finally responded to all of the rumors swirling around the Internet.

ITV

The 39-year-old singer looked gorgeous in her ruffled dress, but apparently wasn't feeling her best because when host Dermot O'Leary asked her if she was feeling better, she replied, "Yes-ish," and added, "I really missed being here, but thanks to all the doctors and nurses who took care of me and got me here tonight."

Although some reports have alleged that Mel B and her husband are in an open marriage, the British star has said otherwise.

"No, me and my husband are very tight and solid," she said. 

Brown's mother, Andrea, also voiced concerned for her daughter despite being estranged since 2008. The X Factor judge's mom tweeted, "Omg all my tears over last 3 days and there she is missed my staff Xmas party but worth it and I'm still crying #papersgotitwrong." But even the pop star's mom noticed the cheek bruise that caused concern among fans.

"Having a large glass of wine to celebrate even though I'm still bloody crying feel sooo stupid poor Melanie looks poorly!!" she wrote.

There were reports that Brown was rushed to the hospital after experiencing agonizing stomach pain.