Mel B 'refuses to speak to family'

Mel B has not spoken to her mother or sister for the past five months, it has been claimed.

The former Spice Girl's relationship with the pair has apparently been on rocky ground since she tied the knot with movie producer Stephen Belafonte in 2007.

The situation is believed to have worsened recently, resulting in the star cutting all contact with her family.

Speaking to the News Of The World, Mel's sister Danielle confirmed: "[She] hasn't spoken to her own mother in months. She has a husband now so she just doesn't find the time.

"He doesn't help. To be honest, I don't think he's a very nice person."

Asked if Belafonte is domineering, she replied: "Yeah. It doesn't help Mel's situation."

The singer's mother Andrea went public with her disapproval of Belafonte in 2007 after hearing that her daughter had married in secret.

Speaking at the time, she admitted: "I've been reading stuff about him on a Hollywood gossip internet site and it's frightening. There were all these comments about his past from so-called friends which were shocking. I've tried to contact her but couldn't."

Mel has told US publications that she is "very happy" with Belafonte, and recently revealed that she is keen to try for a baby with her husband.