Isaiah Firebrace: X Factor Australia winner shares heartfelt tribute to girlfriend following his alleged assault against her
An X Factor Australia winner and advocate for domestic violence prevention has posted a touching tribute to his girlfriend for support through 'the ups and downs' as he battles a domestic violence charge.
Isaiah Firebrace pleaded not guilty in August last year to a single charge of domestic violence-related assault following an alleged attack on partner Stephanie Mendez at Sydney's Star Casino in Pyrmont.
Police allege Firebrace, from Moama in the NSW Riverina region, attacked Ms Mendez shortly after 11pm on August 18 before she was arrested just hours later.
Ms. Mendez, 22, was also charged in connection with the altercation and pleaded guilty to the same charge last year.
Her charges were dismissed on mental health grounds, but an AVO was granted on behalf of Firebrace with strict rules for Ms Mendez.
X Factor Australia winner Isaiah Firebrace posted a touching tribute to his girlfriend for support through 'the ups and downs' as he battles a domestic violence charge.
The order lasts for two years, meaning the 22-year-old cannot be in the same place as Firebrace when he is 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 photo with his girlfriend.
Firebrace pleaded not guilty to a single charge of domestic violence-related assault in August last year following an alleged attack on partner Stephanie Mendez at Sydney's Star Casino in Pyrmont
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.
“I just want to grow and get stronger and stay positive and win.
“Honey, I love you so much, thank you for everything beautiful girl and for always being by my side through the ups and downs and always making me laugh and my best friend. This year is ours.”
According to court documents, Ms. Mendez allegedly punched Firebrace several times before he allegedly punched her in the stomach and “stomped” on her foot.
Firebrace, who rose to fame on Australia's X Factor and the Eurovision Song Contest, was separately charged with the same offense after the altercation but pleaded not guilty in August and will face a hearing this year.
According to court documents, Ms. Mendez allegedly punched Firebrace several times before he allegedly punched her in the stomach and “stomped” on her foot. Pictured: Firebrace outside Downing Center Court in Sydney, August 2023
Documents tendered to the court show the pair had traveled to Sydney for a meeting two years ago when Ms Mendez approached Firebrace while he was at a poker machine about 11pm on Thursday, August 17.
A “verbal argument” took place between the pair before Firebrace allegedly “lifted his leg and stomped on (Ms.) Mendez's foot.”
In response, Mendez allegedly punched the singer twice in the face and again in the back of the head, before Firebrace allegedly punched his partner in the stomach with his fist.
The documents further revealed that the couple had had “an undisclosed number of drinks” that evening.
The court was told that Ms Mendez had 'no criminal record' and would follow a mental health prescribed treatment plan for 12 months.
Firebrace will appear in the same court again for the hearing this year, after withdrawing a request to hear the case on mental health grounds.