People are very torn on this news …
“Interesting how all that “Strength and Independence” is put aside when they hit rough patches,” wrote one.
“I wonder if people ever consider that kids of celebrities are always in danger of being kidnapped for a start, so they cant just be put in regular schools. Its expensive to put a child through a school with very good security. Besides, if he can afford it why not?” said another.
Mel filed for more help two years ago after a drop in her income.
And now the courts have made their decision.
We all know Mel B.
During the mid to late nineties, Mel along with Geri Halliwell, Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, and Melanie Chisholm, became global superstars in their own right.
The band hit No. 1 in more than thirty countries and firmly cemented the girls as a forced to be reckoned with in the industry.
Including the likes of “Say You’ll Be There,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” and “Spice Up Your Life.”
But all things come to an end.
And the members began pursuing their own solo projects.
Including Mel B!
She got off to a great start – her first single, “I Want You,” with Missy Elliott, sold 80,000 copies in the first week, giving the star a solo No. 1.
Things were looking promising!
Her debut solo album Hot released in 2000, produced 3 top 5 singles.
But her movie career stalled.
Released in 2005, L.A. State of Mind, was considered a flop by critics.
She’s found success in other areas.
Hosting television shows including This Is My Moment, Top of the Pops, Access Hollywood, Dancing With the Stars, and the Australian version of The X Factor.
But things haven’t been easy for the star.
For instance, in 2018, Mel announced that she had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and was entering rehab for alcohol and sex addiction.
Her autobiography made her relive past trauma.
Writing the book had caused many unhappy memories to resurface, including her difficult marriage to film producer Stephen Belafonte.
Belafonte was reportedly very controlling.
While he accused her of living too extravagantly.
The pair had children.
The singer gave birth to her first child, daughter Phoenix Chi Gulzar, in 1999, but a highly publicized custody battle would follow.
But money troubles were never far away.
She paid an alimony settlement of nearly $2 million to her ex-husband, Jimmy Gulzar.
Mel’s family then expanded further.
Mel gave birth to daughter Angel Iris Murphy Brown on April 3, 2007.
But a paternity battle ensued.
When asked about the pregnancy in December 2006, he told RTL Boulevard: “I don’t know whose child that is until it comes out and has a blood test. You shouldn’t jump to conclusions, sir.”
Mel also has another daughter, Madison Brown Belafonte, with Stephen Belafonte.
Murphy was proven to be the father.
And the actor was ordered to pay every month along with extra for health insurance and education costs.
And it seems the bill is set to go up!
As court documents have revealed the monthly charge to Murphy has been raised to $35,000.
This is because of Mel’s income dropping.
The star has seen her earnings “dramatically reduced” after she was hit hard financially due to the coronavirus pandemic.
She was forced to reach out to Murphy for help.
“Unfortunately, Melanie’s income has dramatically reduced, such that she must consider modifying child support for the first time.”
The modified agreement calls Murphy an “extraordinarily high earner.”
Meaning he is required to increase his monthly payments by $10,000.
“The amount of child support set forth hereinbelow has been calculated based on the reasonable needs of the minor child…”
“Commencing October 1, 2021, as and for child support for the benefit of Angel, Respondent shall pay to Petitioner the sum of $35,000 per month.”
“Child support shall be payable via wire transfer, and shall be due on the first calendar day of each month.”
What do you think of the court’s decision?