Mel B must undergo random drug and alcohol testing as part of bitter custody battle with Stephen Belafonte
A judge made the order in LA after former nanny claimed the singer was addicted to booze and cocaine
MEL B must undergo random drug and alcohol testing as part of a bitter custody battle with her ex Stephen Belafonte.
A judge made the order in LA after former nanny Rusty Updegraff claimed in court that the singer was addicted to booze and cocaine.
The Spice girl, 43, and Stephen Belafonte came face-to-face again at Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday after explosive abuse and drug claims against the singer.
Last Friday Belafonte, also 43, had asked the court for temporary sole custody of their seven-year-old daughter Madison.
He was accompanied by the star’s former nanny Rusty Updegraff, who provided a bombshell witness statement claiming Mel had drunkenly dug her nails into the wrist of older daughter Angel, 11.
Updegraff, 59, also claimed she would regularly be drunk and ask for cocaine – evening seeking the drug on the day she gave birth to Angel.
Judge Juhas said: “There will be drug and alcohol testing for the petitioner for the next four months.”
The testing will be carried out at Mel’s home by a federally approved facility with the star paying for any extra cost that causes, the court heard.
Mel’s lawyer Taline Boyamian said there was no evidence Mel’s current nanny was not suitable.
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She told the court Mel had a birthday party planned for Madison - who turned seven last weekend - on Thursday, which the little girl was “excited for”.
The court agreed that as soon as Madison is dropped off at school on Thursday she’s back in Mel’s care so she doesn’t miss her party.
Updegraff first broke his silence to The Sun on Sunday two weeks ago, prompting Mel to announce that she was to check into a rehab clinic for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder when back in the UK.
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