Eddie Murphy‘s relationship with former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B, began as a whirlwind romance and resulted in a daughter. Sadly, the couple’s child would be subjected to intense media scrutiny and unpalatable legal battles.
Angel Iris Murphy Brown was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 3, 2007. Her arrival into the world was anything but ordinary, with her mother reportedly driving herself to the hospital while in labor, determined to avoid the drama of calling an ambulance. The name “Iris” was chosen as a tribute to Mel B’s grandmother, adding a touch of family history to the newborn’s identity.
From the moment of her birth, Angel found herself at the center of a contentious paternity dispute. Initially, Murphy publicly denied being the father of Mel B’s child, a statement that would set the stage for years of legal battles and strained relationships. This denial came as a shock to many, especially considering that Angel was reportedly a planned pregnancy, conceived during a period when Murphy and Brown were “madly in love.”
The situation escalated when Mel B took Murphy to court to force a paternity test. In June 2007, two months after Angel’s birth, a DNA test confirmed Murphy as the father. This revelation sparked a fierce custody battle, culminating in Murphy agreeing to pay $25,000 per month in child support. The legal skirmishes didn’t end there. In 2020, Mel B requested an increase in child support despite Murphy covering Angel’s health insurance and educational costs. By 2022, they reached a new agreement, with Murphy’s monthly payments increasing to $35,000.
Despite these legal hurdles, both parents have since worked towards an amicable co-parenting relationship. Murphy has apologized for his initial denial of paternity, acknowledging that Angel was indeed a planned child.
Does Angel Iris Murphy Brown have a good relationship with Eddie Murphy?
Angel has grown up surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. As the daughter of two high-profile celebrities, she has been exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age. However, unlike some celebrity children who seek the limelight, Angel has maintained a relatively low profile, with her mother often emphasizing the importance of privacy and normalcy in her upbringing.
So far, she has shown no inclination to follow in her parents’ footsteps and enter the showbiz industry. Instead, she has used her impressive GCSE results to secure a place at an art school.
As Angel has grown older, her relationship with her father has evolved. After years of distance, Murphy has tried to be more involved in his daughter’s life. Sources close to the family have reported that Angel and Murphy now share a good relationship, with frequent communication and generous gift-giving on special occasions. This change in dynamic has been a positive development for Angel, allowing her to form a bond with her famous father. How that will evolve now that Murphy has married his long-time girlfriend, Paige Butcher, remains to be seen.