Stephen Belafonte is a Hollywood film producer who has worked on movies such as Thank You for Smoking, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, and Mutant Chronicles. He is also known for his tumultuous marriage and divorce with former Spice Girl Mel B, who accused him of domestic violence and emotional abuse. But is he related to another famous Belafonte in the entertainment industry, Shari Belafonte?
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Who is Shari Belafonte?
Shari Belafonte is an American actress, model and singer who is the daughter of the legendary singer and actor Harry Belafonte. She began her career as a fashion model before making her big screen debut in the 1982 drama film If You Could See What I Hear. She is best known for her role as Julie Gillette in the ABC drama series Hotel from 1983 to 1988. She also released two studio albums in the 1980s and acted on stage in later years
What is the connection between Stephen and Shari Belafonte?
The answer is simple: there is none. Stephen Belafonte is not related to Shari Belafonte or Harry Belafonte by blood or marriage. In fact, his real name is not even Belafonte, but Stansbury. He was born as Stephen Stansbury on May 18, 1975 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California to Thomas and Sheryl Stansbury. He changed his surname to Belafonte when he moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in film production
Why did Stephen change his name to Belafonte?
According to Mel B, Stephen changed his name to Belafonte because he wanted people to think that he was related to Harry Belafonte, who is a respected and influential figure in the music and civil rights movements. She claimed that Stephen did this to gain attention and make a name for himself in Hollywood, as well as to impress her when they first met. She also alleged that he lied about his age, education, family background, and criminal history
However, Stephen denied these accusations and said that he changed his name to honor his stepfather, who raised him since he was a child. He said that his stepfather’s last name was Belafonte and that he loved him like a real father. He also said that he never pretended to be related to Harry or Shari Belafonte and that he was upfront about his past with Mel B
Conclusion
Stephen Belafonte is not related to Shari Belafonte or Harry Belafonte in any way. He changed his name from Stansbury to Belafonte for personal reasons that are disputed by his ex-wife Mel B. He is a Hollywood film producer who has been involved in several controversies and legal battles with Mel B over their divorce and custody issues.
