Mel B — real name Melanie Brown — has been living a real nightmare these past few weeks, and up until now it has been unclear which of the swirling rumors have actually been true. Speculation as to the status of Mel B's health began last week when she missed a live taping of the British version of The X Factor, and while she returned to film the next night, she had visible bruises all over her upper body, leading many to wonder what had happened. At the same time, news leaked that Mel B had separated from her husband Stephen Belafonte and there was speculation that the relationship had turned violent. Now some sources close to the former Spice Girl are speaking out, claiming that she actually suffered an accidental overdose.
According to Radar Online, Mel B "was hospitalized because she mixed tranquilizers, including Xanax, with alcohol. It was absolutely accidental, and not intentional. She wasn't suicidal, but the pressure of being back in London brought a lot of unresolved issues to the surface concerning being estranged from [her] mother, Andrea, and the rest of her family. While Mel has been given medical clearance to return, she feels extremely vulnerable ... a lot has gone down in just a short period of time. She has been paralyzed with fear for the past week living in the hotel, and the British press has been relentless in covering the story."
Apparently, Mel's mother has claimed that Belafonte is abusive and her statements only fueled the rumors in the press. While he has denied all allegations, some of Belafonte's remarks in the press have made light of the situation. It is obvious that his wife is struggling a great deal and he has not exactly appeared to care much.
As of right now, Mel is in London with two of the couple's three children, and Belafonte is in Beverly Hills with their 3-year-old daughter. No one seems sure of what the resolution is going to be, but she is supposedly dreading returning from London because the scrutiny is likely to intensify and she will then also have to directly deal with whatever issues are between the couple.
Do you think Mel's overdose was accidental? What are your thoughts on the rumors surrounding her life with Belafonte? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
