Stephen Belafonte Net Worth

What is Stephen Belafonte's Net Worth?

Stephen Belafonte is an American producer and director who has a net worth of $1 million. Stephen Belafonte is best known for his tumultuous marriage and divorce from Spice Girl Melanie Brown, also known as Mel B. Contrary to a common misunderstanding, Stephen is not related to the late legendary entertainer Harry Belafonte. His real last name is Stansbury.

Stephen began his entertainment career in the early 2000s, building a modest résumé of credits as a producer and director. His earliest notable work includes the 2004 crime film "Never Die Alone" and the dark comedy "Thank You for Smoking" in 2005, both of which he served as an associate producer. He produced the 2004 documentary "Prison Ball," co-produced "The Crow: Wicked Prayer," and served as executive producer on the 2006 thriller "Sisters."

In television, he worked on the 2006 reality series "I Pity the Fool," starring Mr. T, and in 2008 produced the short-lived reality competition show "Singing Office." That same year, he produced the sci-fi action film "Mutant Chronicles," followed by "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" in 2009. In 2010, Belafonte executive-produced two episodes of his then-wife's reality series "Mel B: It's a Scary World." He also directed and produced the 2004 documentary "Straight from the Projects: Rappers That Live the Lyrics – 3rd Ward, New Orleans." Over the years, he made brief appearances on television, including "Dancing with the Stars" and "The X Factor."

Education and Background

He was born Stephen Stansbury in May 1975 in Hollywood, California. He later moved to New Jersey with his family, and as a young adult changed his last name from Stansbury to Belafonte. He eventually returned to California to study film and graduated from Loyola Marymount University.

Though he has continued to pursue projects in the entertainment world, Belafonte has remained most publicly associated with his contentious marriage to and divorce from Mel B.

(Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage)

Relationship with Mel B

Stephen Belafonte married Mel B in June 2007 after a whirlwind romance. The couple welcomed a daughter, Madison, in 2011 and lived together in a $6.5 million Hollywood Hills mansion. While their relationship was initially portrayed as glamorous, behind the scenes, it became increasingly fraught with accusations and legal conflict.

In March 2017, Mel B filed for divorce after nearly a decade of marriage and was granted a temporary restraining order against Belafonte. In her legal filings, she accused him of physical and emotional abuse, controlling behavior, and mismanagement of finances. She alleged that Belafonte was jealous of her professional relationships and abusive toward her agents and producers. Belafonte denied the abuse claims, and no criminal charges were filed.

The divorce proceedings quickly became a financial disaster for Mel B and a point of contention over money and custody. In July 2017, a judge ordered her to pay Belafonte $40,000 per month in temporary spousal support. Legal documents revealed that despite once having a net worth of $30 million, Mel was nearly broke—her checking account reportedly held just $1,300, while her monthly "America's Got Talent" paycheck was being garnished for back taxes. The court also ordered the couple to sell their shared home, which had a $3.1 million mortgage.

Mel later revealed in court filings that she had paid Belafonte $422,500 in 2017 alone. That same year, she ended up with a net income of negative $3.2 million, citing over $3.5 million in total expenses, much of which stemmed from the divorce, legal fees, and forensic accountants. Meanwhile, Belafonte reported no personal income other than the $15,000 in monthly support, and his filings showed he spent $18,000 a month, including $2,000 on entertainment, $1,500 on dining, and $1,500 on clothing. He reportedly owed over $700,000 to his legal team.

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Ongoing Legal and Custody Battles

Though their divorce was finalized in 2017, the legal friction between Belafonte and Mel B has continued, particularly regarding the custody and welfare of their daughter Madison. In December 2022, Belafonte filed a petition with the court expressing concern about Mel B's behavior. He requested that Madison be allowed to have a cell phone to contact him directly and asked the court to prohibit Mel from being under the influence of alcohol while around their daughter. He also alleged that Mel had been inappropriately exposing herself in front of Madison.

In response, Mel accused Belafonte of neglectful parenting, stating that he regularly left their daughter in the care of unnamed associates while he attended parties and recording sessions late into the night. She expressed concern about not knowing where her daughter was staying or who was looking after her during long overnight absences.

Despite years of public back-and-forth, the former couple has yet to reach a truly amicable resolution. Their legal entanglements have underscored not only the personal cost of their relationship but the financial toll of their prolonged divorce and custody disputes.

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