Has Mel B's husband, Stephen Belafonte been assaulting her?

Mel B missed her appearance on Saturday’s X Factor and also missed her contestant Andrea Faustini leaving the competition.  But accusations are now buzzing on social media  is that her husband Stephen Belafonte has been hitting her.

Fans noticed that Mel B came back to the reality show’s Sunday final but without her wedding ring.  They also tweeted about a bruise on her face and scratches on her arms.  (see some of the tweets from fans below)

More tweets after the cut

 

The X Factor announced on Saturday, that on doctor's advice, Mel B was told not to take part in the show.

Her husband Stephen Belafonte said that he found accusations that he had been "hitting" his wife, "disgusting and untrue".  So far there is no word from Mel B herself.

The couple married in secret in June 2007 in Las Vegas.

Tulisa Contostavlos replaced Mel B on Saturday's show.  On her return, the former Spice Girl thanked the medical staff who cared for her during her illness but didn't reveal what was wrong with her.  She said: "I really missed being here but thanks to all the doctors and nurses who took care of me and got me here tonight."

Asked by host Dermot O'Leary if she was feeling better, she replied: "Yes - ish."

There has been speculation that Mel B's chauffeur drove her to hospital after the singer suffered stomach pains on her way to X Factor rehearsals.