Mel B’s husband today denied he had ever hit his wife, following speculation on Twitter over her admission to hospital and her appearance on last night’s programme.
The X Factor judge missed Saturday’s show after being taken to hospital on Thursday.
The former Spice Girl was back on screens last night but appeared to be covered in scratches and bruises and was not wearing her wedding ring.
Fans were quick to speculate about the cause of the star’s injuries online.
But today Stephen Belafonte, her husband of seven years, took to Twitter to criticise the comments.
He wrote: “I don’t usually respond to Twitter msgs but I will respond to comments of hitting my wife which I think are quite disgusting un true!”
He added: “Mel was very ill a bunch of doctors helped her get better if fans can’t just relax B4 being negative they r not real fans of @OfficialMelB.”
Mel B, 39, was taken to hospital after collapsing “in agony” on Thursday.
When she appeared back on screens last night for the X Factor final, concerned viewers pointed out she appeared to have “a swollen face”, a bruise on her cheek and scratches on her upper arms.
Within minutes of the show starting, viewers began speculating as to the cause of her injuries on Twitter.
One wrote: “Mel B’s got a well iffy bruise on her cheek, scratches on the top of her arms and no wedding ring.... #xfactor.”
As the programme started last night, Mel B said: “I really missed being here but thanks to all the doctors and nurses who took care of me and got me here tonight.”
When it emerged she would be missing Saturday’s show, Mel B’s estranged mother Andrea and her sister Danielle both took to Twitter to express their concern.
Danielle tweeted: “I am beyond desperate and this should be a private family matter!! But we don’t know what else to do if anyone at all can help then pls do!”
In a message to Mr Belafonte, she said: “You told me and mum yesterday she is fine and not in hospital. I’ve recorded all your calls for the past week. Where is my sister?”
