X-Factor star’s alleged DV ‘stomp’ attack
Former X Factor star and domestic violence advocate Isaiah Firebrace was slapped by his girlfriend before allegedly punching her in the stomach during a melee inside Sydney’s Star Casino, court documents state.
Stephanie Mendez, 22, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a single charge of domestic violence-related common assault following the chaotic incident at Pyrmont on Sydney Harbour.
Mr Firebrace, originally from Moama in the NSW Riverina region, was separately charged with the same offence following the altercation, but pleaded not guilty at a Sydney court in August.
Documents tendered to court reveal the couple of two years had travelled to Sydney for a function when Mendez approached Mr Firebrace while he was seated on the gaming floor.
A “verbal discussion” took place between the pair, who reside in separate residences in Victoria, before Mr Firebrace is alleged to have “lifted his leg and stomped on Mendez’s foot”.
In response, Mendez slapped the signer twice in the face and again to the back of the head, before Mr Firebrace is alleged to have struck his partner in the stomach with a balled fist.
According to the documents, Mendez continued to slap Mr Firebrace in the face and on the back, before the ex-Eurovision contestant is alleged to have again punched Mendez in the stomach with a closed fist.
A further verbal disagreement broke out between the pair before Mendez left the area. When police arrived sometime later, the 22-year-old was with security in the casino’s retail area.
The documents further reveal the pair had been drinking on the night, and that Mendez had no criminal history. She was also “cooperative throughout the police investigation”.
Mendez and Mr Firebrace appear to have continued their relationship, with the singer last month posting a picture to Instagram of the pair captioned: “perfect girl”.
The Melbourne woman’s Tik Tok account, where she posts videos of herself modelling fashion items and travel videos featuring Mr Firebrace, has garnered more than 18,000 likes.
Mr Firebrace rose to prominence after winning the 2016 season of TV music contest X-Factor, before representing Australia at the 2017 Eurovision song contest.
The 23-year-old later joined prominent singers in recording a single dedicated to raising awareness of domestic violence, with all profits going to DVConnect.
In the intervening years, Mr Firebrace returned to TV in a bid to represent Australia at a subsequent Eurovision, and has released a number of singles.
Mr Firebrace will reappear before the same court next year for a hearing after withdrawing an application to have the matter dealt with on mental health grounds.
Mendez was excused from attending Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday where she was due to be sentenced, and will also reappear before the court on December 1.
