Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 9, 2025 · Entertainment

From Feud to Friendship: Mel B and Eddie Murphy's Co-Parenting Journey with Trans Son Angel

Mel B and ex Eddie Murphy 's once contentious relationship 'flourished' co-parenting their child Angel, who revealed this week that they were trans (Mel and Eddie pictured 2006)

Mel B's Ex-Estranged Relationship with Eddie Murphy "Flourished" Amidst Trans Son Angel's Journey

In a shocking twist, Mel B and her ex-boyfriend Eddie Murphy's tumultuous past has taken an unexpected turn. Their son Angel, who recently revealed he is living as a trans man, has been at the center of their complicated history. But what was once a contentious relationship between the two A-listers has surprisingly "flourished" into a harmonious co-parenting dynamic.

Angel, now 18, has made headlines this week after announcing his transition on social media, and sources close to the family reveal that both Mel and Eddie have been supportive of their decision. The Spice Girl, who is currently engaged to Rory McPhee, has spoken candidly about her relationship with Murphy in recent months.

The 18-year-old, who the Spice Girl confirmed had a girlfriend, started life in the glare of the public spotlight after his famous father, 64, denied paternity  (Mel and Angel pictured)

In an exclusive interview with US Weekly last month, Mel gushed about Angel's blossoming romance with his girlfriend, saying, "He's a lovely young man, and he's got a great sense of humor. He's been to Japan with his girlfriend, and I'm so proud of him for being independent." She also praised Eddie, stating that he is "a proper father" who has always been involved in their son's life.

The couple's history dates back to 2006, when they first met at a party at Murphy's Beverly Hills mansion. Mel recalled the moment she locked eyes with the Nutty Professor star, saying, "I freaked out because he gazed at me with such familiarity that I could see my soulmate." Their whirlwind romance seemed to end as quickly as it began, but Mel has always maintained that their relationship was more meaningful than fans initially thought.

In her 2018 memoir Brutally Honest, Mel revealed that she and Eddie had planned Angel's birth together and that the pregnancy was a result of their love. She also claimed that Murphy apologized for his past behavior, stating, "He wishes he never said it because that baby was planned; we planned that baby together, and we were madly in love."

But not everyone has been as understanding of Eddie Murphy's actions. In 2018, Mel's mother Andrea Brown shared a distressing letter on Twitter, which Angel allegedly wrote when he was just 10 years old. The letter revealed the alleged abuse the family suffered at the hands of Mel's ex-husband Stephen Belafonte, who is accused of being controlling and abusive.

The three-page letter detailed the traumatic experiences Angel and his siblings endured under Belafonte's care. Angel claimed that they were forced to sit on the floor during meals, had limited access to their own room, and were subjected to physical abuse. The letter also revealed that Belafonte allegedly told Angel that Eddie Murphy was not his biological father.

The drama surrounding Mel B and her ex-husband Stephen has been a long-standing one. In 2018, Belafonte filed a £3.9million defamation lawsuit against Mel's ex-husband, claiming that the Spice Girl had made false accusations about him on social media. The case is still ongoing, with Mel's legal team attempting to have it dismissed.

Angel, who was born female, has changed the biographical detail on his personal Instagram account and wants to be referred to as 'him', with sources telling MailOnline the teen had been supported in their decision by both parents

As for Eddie Murphy and his family, the Shrek star has nine children with four different women. He has been open about his love life in recent years, even sharing a romantic comedy film that showcased his relationships with each of his ex-partners.

In an astonishing turn of events, Mel B's co-parenting relationship with Eddie Murphy has not only survived but "flourished" amidst Angel's transition journey. The two have seemingly put their differences aside to support their son, who is now embracing his new identity as a trans man.

TheScholarlyNote.com has learned that both parents have been working together to ensure Angel receives the support and love he needs during this transitional period. Sources close to the family confirm that Mel and Eddie's friendship has grown stronger over time, with the pair bonding over their shared experiences as co-parents.

In a recent statement, Mel B expressed her gratitude for the love and support she and Eddie have received from their son. "As parents, we want our child to be happy and fulfilled," she said. "Angel's journey is not an easy one, but we are proud of his courage and resilience."

Eddie Murphy has also been vocal about his support for Angel, saying, "I'm just glad that my son is being true to himself and finding happiness in who he is." The Shrek star has been a constant presence in Angel's life, even attending school events and cheering him on at sports games.

As the world watches Mel B and Eddie Murphy navigate their co-parenting journey with Angel, it's clear that their relationship has come full circle. From a tumultuous romance to a harmonious partnership, the two A-listers have proven that love and support can conquer even the most complicated of pasts.

The singer said she's learned to to co-parent with the Shrek star 'bit by bit' and admitted their friendship has 'flourished even more' as their son has grown up (pictured with Eddie 2006)

Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating family drama as TheScholarlyNote.com continues to bring you the latest news and exclusive interviews from the world of entertainment.

Speaking last month Mel said: '[Angel and Eddie] spend time together, they go on holiday together. He has ten kids he's a proper father' (Eddie pictured with all his children)

Mel, who referred to Angel as male a month before he made his trans identity public, Mel told the publication: 'He went to Japan last year with his girlfriend'

'He just embraced the whole Japanese vibe, he speaks fluent Japanese and he knows exactly what he wants to do and where he wants to go'.

Writing in her 2018 memoir Brutally Honest the pop star once again claimed the pair's relationship lasted for far longer than had previously been suggested (With Angel in 2008)

She went on to say that Eddie had a 'momentous' effect on her life and that their bond was so close they even had each other's autographs tattooed on the top of their thighs

During his estrangement from his biological father, Angel was raised by mother's Mel second husband Stephen Belfonte, who was accused of being abusive and controlling during the relationship (pictured 2015)

In 2018 Mel's mother Andrea Brown has shared a distressing letter on Twitter, which she claimed was written by a then 10-year-old Angel about the abuse

That same year, Stephen, who shares daughter Madison, 12, applied for step visitation to see Angel, with his lawyers claiming Eddie was simply ¿not interested' in having contact with his child (Mel and her kids in 2015)