X-Factor Australia star Isaiah Firebrace allegedly ‘attacked girlfriend’ after raising money for domestic violence victims

An X-Factor Australia winner and domestic violence advocate is trying to get allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend dealt with over mental health reasons.

Isaiah Firebrace pleaded not guilty in local Downing Center court on Wednesday to a single charge of domestic violence-related assault following an alleged assault on partner Stephanie Mendez.

Police allege Mr Firebrace, from Moama in the NSW Riverina area, assaulted Ms Mendez shortly after 11pm in Pyrmont on Sydney Harbor on August 18 before being arrested just hours later.

NCA Newswire understands that the alleged incident took place at the Star Casino.

If found guilty and convicted, Firebrace could face up to two years in prison.

Police allege Mr Firebrace (right) assaulted Ms Mendez (left) shortly after 11pm in Pyrmont on Sydney Harbor on August 18

Ms Mendez also fronted Downing Center local court on Wednesday, where she pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic violence-related common assault related to the same incident.

The Melbourne woman’s TikTok account, where she posts videos of her modeling fashion items, and travel videos with Mr Firebrace, has garnered more than 18,000 likes.

She will appear again at Downing Center local court on October 18, where she will be sentenced following changes to the agreed police offenses following her appearance on Wednesday.

Mr Firebrace rose to prominence after winning the 2016 season of the Australian TV music competition X-Factor before representing Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.

That same year, the 23-year-old joined prominent Australian singers, including Kate Ceberano and Troy Cassar-Daley, in producing a charity single rendition of Your The Voice.

Mr Firebrace (above) has applied to have his charge heard under the Mental Health Act

Ms. Mendez (pictured with Mr. Firebrace) pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic violence related to common assault related to the same incident

The single aimed to raise awareness about domestic violence, with all profits going to DVConnect, a charity providing crisis response to DV victims and families in Queensland.

More recently, Mr Firebrace appeared on a second TV music contest alongside singer Evie Irie in an attempt to represent Australia again in that year’s Eurovision Song Contest, but ultimately finished in 10th place.

Mr Firebrace has also released a number of songs since his stint with the X-Factor, including the song Have You Ever in 2023, and has amassed a significant Instagram following of over 54,000.

In a June Instagram post, Mr Firebrace appeared alongside prominent Aboriginal lawyer Tony Armstrong in a promotion for Literacy Is Freedom, a charity campaign that raises literacy awareness among First Nation communities.

When Mr Firebrace’s lawyer appeared in court on Wednesday, he said they had applied for the charge to be heard under section 14 of the Mental Health Act.

Mr Firebrace (above) rose to prominence after winning the 2016 season of the Australian TV music competition X-Factor, the following year he was part of a campaign against domestic violence

Under the law, a person with a mental illness can avoid sentencing by order of a magistrate, and instead be released into the community under certain conditions set by a magistrate, which may include treatment.

Magistrate Jennifer Atkinson told Mr Firebrace’s lawyer that the singer would nevertheless have to enter a plea in case the ‘Section 14 application fails’, with Mr Firebrace pleading not guilty.

Mr. Firebrace will again appear before the same court on October 4, where a related AVO will also be heard.