Mel B’s husband, Stephen Belafonte, is responding to rumors that he physically abused his wife after she appeared bruised and without her wedding ring on the UK’s X Factor.

The former Spice Girl was hospitalized on Thursday, which resulted in Tulisa Contostavlos replacing her for Saturday’s live show. She came back on Sunday night, but had a bruised cheek. Twitter users then accused Belafonte for being the reason she was in the hospital, which he wasn’t going to tolerate.

“Idon't usually respond to Twitter msgs but I will respond to comments of hitting my wife which I think are quite disgusting un true!” he tweeted. “Mel was very ill a bunch of doctors helped her get better if fans can't just relax B4 being negative they r not real fans of @OfficialMelB.”

E! Online reports when she was asked by X Factor host Dermot O'Leary if she was feeling better on Sunday, she said “yes-ish.”

The reason for her hospitalization was reportedly severe pain from a stomach ulcer. She was on her way to a press conference for the Simon Cowell-created show when she was began “screaming in agony” over the pain.

Sunday People reports sources say Cowell is “very worried” about her.

image via INFphoto.com