X-Factor star Isaiah Firebrace issues Instagram tribute to girlfriend

An X-Factor star has shared a tribute to his girlfriend after the pair had charges of domestic violence-related assault dropped.

An X Factor Australia winner and domestic violence prevention advocate has posted a tribute to his girlfriend for support through “the ups and downs” after the pair had charges of domestic violence-related assault against each other dropped.

Isaiah Firebrace pleaded not guilty in August last year to a single charge of domestic violence-related common assault following an alleged attack on partner Stephanie Mendez at Sydney’s Star Casino in Pyrmont.

He was due to face a hearing this year but the charge was dropped in late December.

Police had alleged Firebrace, from Moama in the NSW Riverina region, assaulted Ms Mendez by stomping on her shortly after 11pm on August 18 before being arrested just hours later.

Isaiah Firebrace shared a touching tribute to his girlfriend, whom he’s accused of assaulting at Sydney’s Star Casino. Picture: Instagram

The pair fronted court on December 20 when Ms Mendez’s assault charge was dropped on mental health grounds. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Ms Mendez, 22, was also charged over the altercation and pleaded guilty last year to the same charge.

Her charge was also dismissed on mental health grounds, but an AVO was granted on Firebrace’s behalf with stringent rules for Ms Mendez.

The order is set down for two years, meaning the 22-year-old cannot be in the same place as Firebrace when drinking or taking drugs, and Ms Mendez cannot be in his company within 12 hours of drinking or taking drugs.

The pair have continued their relationship while living in Victoria, with Firebrace posting a touching tribute to Ms Mendez on Instagram on the first day of the year.

“2023 was a lot,” Firebrace wrote alongside a picture with his girlfriend.

“I just want to grow and become stronger and continue to be positive and win.

“Baby, I love you so much thank you for everything beautiful girl and always being by my side through the ups and downs and always making me laugh through it all and my best friend. This year is ours.”

The couple have continued their relationship while living in Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

According to court documents, police had alleged Ms Mendez allegedly slapped Firebrace multiple times before he allegedly punched her in the stomach and “stomped” on her foot.

Firebrace, who rose to fame through Australian X Factor and Eurovision, was separately charged with the same offence.

His charge was dropped on December 21 after lawyer Alex Istifan told the court footage of the incident captured on CCTV “shined a very different light” to the allegations.

Lasting just 30 seconds, the video shows Mr Firebrace seated at one of the gaming machines when he appears to be slapped at two times by Mendez.

Crucially, Mr Istifan claimed the video failed to show Mr Firebrace allegedly punching Mendez, though the alleged “stomp” was not obscured.Mr Istifan relaunched a bid to have the matter dealt with on mental health grounds.

Magistrate Clare Farnan agreed to have the matter dealt with under the Act after the court was told of Mr Firebrace’s “difficult upbringing” and alcohol treatment.

“A psychologist has identified in his report Mr Firebrace’s difficult upbringing and diagnosed him as suffering symptoms of PTSD,” she said.

“Mr Firebrace’s mental health impairment is one that is susceptible to treatment, though it did allow him to have a successful life and career to date.”

Under the conditions of the order, Mr Firebrace will be subject a 12-month mental health treatment plan in his native Melbourne.

He will also be barred from “approaching or contacting” Mendez within 12 hours of taking alcohol or drugs under a two-year Apprehended Violence Order.

Firebrace will fight his charge at hearing this year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

Documents tendered to court reveal the couple of two years had travelled to Sydney for a function when Ms Mendez approached Firebrace while he was seated at a poker machine about 11pm on Thursday, August 17.

A “verbal discussion” took place between the pair before Firebrace was alleged to have “lifted his leg and stomped on (Ms) Mendez’s foot”.

In response, Ms Mendez allegedly slapped the singer twice in the face and again to the back of the head before Firebrace was alleged to have struck his partner in the stomach with his fist.

The documents further revealed the pair “consumed an undisclosed number of beverages” on the night.

The court was told Ms Mendez “had no criminal history” and would be on a mental health ordered treatment plan for 12 months.