Mel B is reportedly set to face trial for defamation after being sued by her former nanny, Lorraine Gilles.
The former Spice Girls singer, 43, lost her final appeal after being sued by Lorraine over claims Mel branded her a “homewrecker” and a “prostitute” in court papers relating to her divorce from Stephen Belafonte, according to a new report by the Daily Mail.
The publication reports that the week-long trial could cost Mel £1.5 million, but Los Angeles judge Dalila Lyons has encouraged the pair to try and resolve the matter out of court.
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The outlet also claims a court case would likely include details of the threesomes Mel and Stephen allegedly had with Lorraine, and video evidence allegedly showing their intimate moments is available to be presented.
Lorraine had reportedly signed a non-disclosure agreement, however, the ex-employee will now be free to take the stand and speak openly during the trial.
A source told the Daily Mail: “Mel has been trying to keep Lorraine silent the longest, she knows more than anyone what happened Mel’s marriage to Stephen.
“But now at a jury trial she can reveal everything, there’s no holding back. Lorraine had no choice but to settle her restraining order because the legal bills were getting so high.
“But the judge said she did have the right to sue for defamation which she decided to do. All of Mel’s appeals have now been rejected so the trial is on.”
The insider claims Lorraine has “a mountain of evidence to present” to the court.
The publication reports that Mel had argued to the court that she had no choice but to name Lorraine in order to get a restraining order against Stephen, but the court disagreed and sent the case to trial.
Mel appealed to the Court of Appeal, however, she was knocked back again.
It is not known when the trial will start, but the first hearing in the matter has been set for 4 February, 2019, according to the Daily Mail.
Lorraine, who now works as a waitress, is seeking unspecified damages and is suing for libel, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
ED! has contacted representatives for Mel for comment.
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