Angel Iris Murphy Brown, who turned 18 in April, has changed pronouns to ‘he/him’ – and both parents, Mel B and Eddie Murphy, are said to be supportive of their child’s decision
Mel B and Eddie Murphy are said to be “understanding” and supportive of their child Angel who has changed pronouns to “he/him”.
The Spice Girls star and the American actor embarked on a whirlwind romance in 2006 and their bond was so strong that they went on to have each other’s autographs tattooed on their thighs. After months of dating, Eddie proposed and Mel fell pregnant – and they welcomed Angel Iris Murphy Brown in April 2007.
The pair then broke up and a bitter custody battle ensued, with Mel filing a paternity suit against Eddie to legally establish he was Angel’s father and accused him of not paying for child support. However, both parents are now said to have a close relationship with Angel, who turned 18 this year.
READ MORE: Spice Girls star Mel B shares genius way she prepared for her upcoming wedding
It has now emerged that Angel, who was born female, changed pronouns to “he/him” – and confirmed it in his Instagram biography. According to a source who spoke to Mail Online, both Mel and Eddie are supporting Angel: “It’s a decision Angel made and Mel has been understanding, likewise Eddie. There was no big event to mark it. Angel just wanted it to be known what pronouns are now suitable.”
Marking Angel’s 18th birthday in April, Scary Spice wrote: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY ANGEL !!! I cannot believe youre 18 You are so special and so bright and so talented!! I couldnt be prouder of watching you grow and become the person you are but youll forever be my babyyyy I hop you keep chasing yor dreams and be kind to everyone around you like you always have been my Angel Love you always.”
In the comment section of Mel’s birthday post, Angel clarified that they now use “he/him” pronouns. “That second picture is exactly how old she was when I met her!! The only baby to look like she worked out at the gym! Cutest little thing,” one commenter wrote, but another follower corrected them, saying, “*him / *he”. After someone asked the person how they knew Angel’s pronouns, Mel’s child replied, “they are on my profile!”
In addition to Angel, Mel is also mum to Phoenix and Madison, who have different fathers. Mel welcomed Phoenix with the dancer Jimmy Gulzar in 1999, Angel with Eddie in 2007 and then Madison with the singer’s then-husband Stephen Belafonte four years later. Eddie also has nine other children and is said to have a close relationship with all of them, as parenthood is his priority.
During an interview with Vanity Fair in 2020, the actor said: “My career, or what I am as an artist, that’s not at the centre of my life. At the centre of my life is my family and my kids. That’s the principal relationship, and everything comes after that. I have 10 kids, and I’m present, and I’m part of their lives.
“You got to have some kind of balance with career and personal life. I started making movies when I was 20, and I auditioned for SNL when I was 18, so that’s 40 years ago. So I had a little crossroads where it was like, it’s time to back off, and sit on the couch and just be dad.”
The Mirror has contacted representatives for Mel B and Eddie Murphy for comment.
Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.