Mel B vows to ‘never settle for second best’ in her search for self-acceptance after doomed marriage to Stephan Belafonte
The star has urged her followers and fans to try and love themselves before they find someone else to share their life with in the first major statement she's made since her split from her husband
MEL B has posted an affirming message on Instagram to her fans as she tries to keep positive amid her divorce battle.
The 42-year-old Spice Girl is currently in the middle of a messy split with estranged hubby Stephen Belafonte, but has vowed to “never settle for less than she deserves” in the future.
In a long Instagram post, she wrote: “I now know better late than never that there is sooo much more to life than finding someone who will want you, or being sad over someone who doesn't want you.
“Know your worth and never settle for less than you deserve, there is a lot of wonderful time spent discovering yourself without hoping someone will fall in love with you along the way, and it doesn't have to be painful or empty.”
She then gave her pearls of wisdom to her fans and continued: “You have to fill yourself up with love and respect.
"Don't wait for someone to give or show you that as it won't mean as much to you in the long run as you have to feel all this and give it to yourself first and foremost.
“Become a whole being on your own and be proud of the struggle you went through to get there then no one can ever take it away from you.”
The note, which is her biggest statement to date in any way related to her trouble-filled divorce battle, then added: “Note to self: don't romanticize life like you can't survive without it, dress up for yourself, put the most amazing clothes make up perfume on for you, dance around your bedroom have a "ME" party for you and you only, then decide who is worth your time.
“You’re a goddess and should only ever be treated like one at all times.”
The ex Spice Girl has been joined by her mum Andrea in the States for moral support as the complicated tale of her break-up with Stephen rages on.
Mel was thought to have fallen out with Andrea over her wedding to film producer Stephen in 2007.
Following their split at the start of this year, Leeds resident Andrea has been posting online messages of support for her daughter that seemed to suggest she's always disapproved of "controlling" Belafonte.
The pair have only seen each other in court since their split, while Stephen is only allowed to see their daughter Madison in a counselling centre with a court supervisor present.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun Online, pal of the pair Jim Byrnes claimed: “Stephen is f***ed. He’s sleeping on a couch with friends. He’s got not money.
“He rang me and was crying down the phone. He said, ‘I have to visit my daughter with paedophiles and rapists – it’s horrendous’.
“Stephen wanted a quick settlement so this wouldn’t happen.”
An insider said: “Stephen says he has at least one video showing Mel with cocaine.
"He is holding the videos as part of his evidence in his divorce case to show the court that she used drugs.”
Mel has strenuously denied Stephen’s drugs and alcohol claims against her.
Scary Spice Mel accused Stephen of leaving her in fear for her life after physical and psychological abuse, claims he rejected.
An insider added: “Stephen is keen to get his reputation cleared up, he says, after being trashed by Mel in court papers.”
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