Mel B has finally spoken out to shoot down rumours that her husband Stephen Belafonte was violent towards her.

Speculation began over two weeks ago, after the former Spice Girl, 39, was absent from the first part of The X Factor final due to a mystery illness, but was back for the results show after being released from hospital. Some fans wrote on social media that she appeared to have scratches on her body and a bruised cheek.

Mel posted a picture of herself and Stephen cuddled up together at a public event on Instagram on December 28 and wrote: ” This is for my fans havin problems with my Twitter will be back soon! I’m very good was very polly but much better now and for the record my hubby never would lay a hand on me sorry took so long but any response fuels rumors #lovemyfamily #lovemyfans.”

The X Factor judge’s wedding ring is clearly on display in the photo.

She had previously posted a picture of herself, Stephen and her three daughters, Phoenix, from her marriage to dancer Jimmy Gulzar, Angel, whose father is the comedian Eddie Murphy, and Stephen’s daughter Madison, together at home and wished her followers a “merry Christmas” adding “#familytime”.

Mel and Stephen, who have been married since 2007 and live in Los Angeles, were pictured leaving a restaurant together hand-in-hand on Boxing Day, with her wedding ring firmly in place.

It had been reported that the TV presenter had left Stephen before she was rushed to hospital – which caused her to miss the live show on December 13.

Her film producer husband had previously taken to Twitter shortly after the speculation began to deny the “disgusting” rumours and claimed he had been the victim of a “witch-hunt”.