Former Spice Girl star Mel B has obtained a restraining order against her estranged husband and film producer Stephen Belafonte for allegedly abusing her physically and mentally.
The singer's lawyers got a restraining order on Monday, forcing Belafonte to stay away from Mel and her three children, and leading him to leave the family home, reports tmz.com.
According to the singer, who has detailed her ordeal in a declaration, Belafonte placed both of his hands around her neck, began choking her and slammed her down onto the hardwood floors, as she was getting ready at home for the "Dancing with the Stars" finale in November 2007.
She claimed there was a pattern -- that when she achieved any measure of success, he would beat her down.
"(It was a way to) let me know he was in charge," said Mel B, who has described other instances of being abused too.
She even claims that Belafonte has sex tapes of her, and has repeatedly threatened to release them.
--IANS
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