In 2006, Eddie Murphy and Spice Girl Mel B’s fiery romance brought their daughter, Angel Brown, into the world.
Now, Angel has turned 18 and celebrated by courageously coming out as transgender.
Angel Brown, the 18-year-old son of comedy icon Eddie Murphy and Spice Girls star Mel B, has come out as a transgender man.
Born in 2007 following a brief romance between the Daddy Daycare star and Mel B (real name Melanie Brown) in 2006, Angel’s early years were marred by a bitter paternity battle when Murphy initially denied being his father, leading to years of estrangement.
Despite this rocky start, both parents have since reconciled and Angel recently updated his Instagram bio to reflect his he/him pronouns, signaling his transition.
Instagram / Mel B
Sources close to the family confirm that both parents are fully behind their son’s decision. “It’s a decision Angel made and Mel has been understanding, likewise Eddie,” an insider shared with Daily Mail “There was no big event to mark it. Angel just wanted it to be known what pronouns are now suitable.”
Mel B, who recently turned 50, celebrated Angel’s 18th birthday in April with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing her pride in her son’s journey. “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,” she wrote, closing with “love you always” and a string of heart emojis.
A strong co-parenting relationship
Mel, also a mother to daughters Phoenix, 26, and Madison, 13, has spoken warmly of her close bond with Angel, noting his passion for art and Japanese culture.
Eddie Murphy, a father of ten, including his eldest son Eric, 35, who recently married Martin Lawrence’s daughter Jasmin, 29, has also shown his support for Angel’s transition.
The Nutty Professor star, who initially faced a contentious paternity dispute with Mel B, has since built a strong co-parenting relationship with her, fostering a loving environment for their son.
Mel, 50, just recently spoke to US Weekly about it: ‘[Angel and Eddie] spend time together, they go on holiday together. He has ten kids he’s a proper father. I think being in the kind of [situation] that I was in, it was hard for me to step out and have that relationship [with Eddie] flourish,’ referring to her ‘abusive’ marriage to ex-husband Stephen Belafonte, allegations he denies.
Angel’s journey echoes another recent story in Hollywood, as Robert De Niro’s daughter Airyn, 29, also came out as transgender.
Instagram/@angel.mbrown
In an interview with Them magazine, Airyn shared that her transition “felt right,” stating, “I feel like I’m meant to be doing this.” Addressing misgendering by a publication, she added, “Not only did they get information wrong about me… They just sort of reminded me that people really don’t know anything about me.” De Niro, a father of seven, responded with unwavering support: “I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I don’t know what the big deal is. I love all my children.”
Both Angel and Airyn’s stories highlight the power of parental support and the courage to live authentically, resonating with families navigating similar journeys.
As Angel steps into adulthood, his parents’ love and encouragement shine as a beacon of hope and unity.
