Mel B's estranged husband Stephen Belafonte 'demands regular contact' with Eddie Murphy's daughter Angel... as bitter custody battle over biological child Madison continues

By Jason Chester for MailOnline

Published: 07:03 EDT, 11 April 2017 | Updated: 07:25 EDT, 11 April 2017

Stephen Belafonte is 'fighting to maintain contact' with step-daughter Angel Iris, estranged wife Mel B’s daughter with Hollywood star Eddie Murphy.

TMZ claim film producer Belafonte, 41, hopes to win visitation rights with the ten-year old, who was born in April 2007, two-months before he married former Spice Girl Mel, also 41, in Las Vegas.

Belafonte allegedly believes Murphy, 56, has played a limited role in Angel’s life while he has acted as the child’s stepfather, sharing parental responsibilities with Mel throughout their decade long marriage.

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Visitiation rights: Stephen Belafonte is fighting to maintain contact with step-daughter Angel Iris, estranged wife Mel B’s daughter with Hollywood star Eddie Murphy

Visitiation rights: Stephen Belafonte is fighting to maintain contact with step-daughter Angel Iris, estranged wife Mel B’s daughter with Hollywood star Eddie Murphy

It is understood that Belafonte enjoys a close relationship with Angel, although his estranged wife is �strongly opposed’ to the producer maintaining contact with her second child.

The former couple are already embroiled in a legal battle over joint custody of their only biological child, five-year old Madison.

Extracts from a letter reportedly delivered to Mel’s lawyer on March 31 read: �Stephen would like to schedule a meeting as soon as possible to discuss the resolution of temporary issues including his ability to see Madison and Angel, whom we would appreciate continuing to have contact with.’

Bond: It’s understood that Belafonte enjoys a close relationship with Angel, although his estranged wife is �strongly opposed’ to the producer maintaining contact with her second child

Bond: It’s understood that Belafonte enjoys a close relationship with Angel, although his estranged wife is �strongly opposed’ to the producer maintaining contact with her second child

Belafonte is based in Lops Angeles, and California Law stipulates a stepparent can win �reasonable visitation rights’ if it is deemed to benefit the child in question.

Mel is reportedly making a huge change to her petition to divorce estranged husband Stephen - asking that she get permanent sole custody of Madison, having previously asked for joint.

According to TMZ, the songstress has done a complete U-turn after learning that Stephen's previous domestic violence conviction towards another woman means that he is prohibited from owning a gun.

Dispute: The former couple are already embroiled in a legal battle over joint custody of their only biological child, five-year old Madison (pictured with Belafonte in 2015)

Dispute: The former couple are already embroiled in a legal battle over joint custody of their only biological child, five-year old Madison (pictured with Belafonte in 2015)

The site claims: 'Mel knew Stephen had a gun and was not happy about it, especially since she alleges he repeatedly committed domestic violence against her. 

'But we're told after recently finding out the gun was illegal to possess, she decided to change her custody strategy.'

It is claimed she wants the divorce tied up quickly, offering a generous $5million settlement and to buy an island for her estranged husband.

TMZ also reports that Mel is now planning to make her temporary restraining order permanent after claiming Stephen used 'racial slurs against her, got the nanny pregnant and was violent towards her in front of the children.'

Claims: Belafonte allegedly believes Eddie Murphy, 56, has played a limited role in Angel’s life, while he has acted as the child’s stepfather

Claims: Belafonte allegedly believes Eddie Murphy, 56, has played a limited role in Angel’s life, while he has acted as the child’s stepfather

Moreover, they claim that while Mel might allow monitored visits with Madison in the future, she doesn't want Stephen having contact with her other children.

Mel is also a parent to daughter Phoenix, 18, from her previous marriage to Spice Girls backing dancer Jimmy Gulzar.

Belafonte has asked for joint legal and physical custody of Madison and is asking for spousal support, legal documents show, although no figure is stated. 

Side by side: TMZ claim film producer Belafonte, 41, hopes to win visitation rights with the ten-year old, who was born in April 2007, two-months before he married former Spice Girl Mel, also 41, in Las Vegas

Side by side: TMZ claim film producer Belafonte, 41, hopes to win visitation rights with the ten-year old, who was born in April 2007, two-months before he married former Spice Girl Mel, also 41, in Las Vegas

Mel states in documents filed in February: 'I am in fear for my safety and that of my children... Likewise the Respondent's emotional and physical abuse of Petitioner in the presence of the minor child is tantamount to abuse of the minor child.'

She continues: 'I have tried to leave the Respondent many times. Every time I tried, the Respondent threatened me with violence and threatened to destroy my life in every way.

'He said he would destroy my career and take my kids from me. He threatened to release sexually explicit videotapes claiming I would never again work in the entertainment industry.' 

MailOnline has contacted Mel B’s representatives for further comment.

 

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