Mel B must do drug tests
ex-spice girl’s bitter custody battle over daughter
MEL B has been ordered to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of a custody agreement for her daughter Madison.
The former Spice Girl, real name Melanie Brown, is involved in an ongoing legal battle with her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte.
Last week he won temporary custody after a declaration from the singer’s former “manny” claimed she was battling alcohol and drug issues. Rusty Updegraff, who looked after Madison, seven, and Brown’s other daughter Angel, 11, argued the children were at risk due to Ms Brown’s drinking, an accusation she denies.
He claimed the 43-yearold passes out because of alcohol consumption and when she wakes up she’s mean and argumentative. Mr Updegraff also alleges he has bought Ms Brown booze, including 12 bottles of wine, two bottles of vodka and one-to-two 12-packs of beer, which she consumes in four to five days. At Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday Judge Mark Juhas said the star will undergo random drug and alcohol testing for four months.
As part of the joint custody agreement, neither Ms Brown nor Mr Belafonte can take drugs or alcohol eight hours before they have custody of Madison, or during their time with her. The judge said the child will remain with Mr Belafonte, 43, until tomorrow.
He also ordered a “full-scale evaluation” of the joint custody arrangement. Lawyers for both of the parents declined to comment following the hearing.
Ms Brown was due to appear on America’s Got Talent last night where she acts as a judge alongside Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel.