Angel Brown, the child of award-winning actor and comedian Eddie Murphy and internationally known singer Melanie Brown (Mel B) of the Spice Girls, has publicly come out as a transgender man. The announcement came shortly after Angel’s 18th birthday, which marked a new chapter in his life.
Public Acknowledgment of Identity
In April 2025, Angel Brown updated his Instagram profile to reflect his preferred pronouns, he/him, signaling his gender identity as a transgender male. This public step was met with messages of support across social media platforms, including from his family.
The coming-of-age milestone was also acknowledged by his mother, Mel B, who shared a celebratory post on Instagram. Her message expressed pride and encouragement for her son’s future, reflecting a close mother-son bond and support for his personal journey
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice or diagnosis. It reflects publicly available facts and statements made by those involved. Always consult a licensed physician for medical concerns.
Family Background and Co-Parenting
Angel Brown was born in 2007 following a relationship between Mel B and Eddie Murphy. Initially, there was a publicized paternity dispute, which was resolved through legal confirmation. According to People Magazine and BBC News, a DNA test confirmed Murphy’s paternity in 2007. Over time, both parents developed a co-parenting arrangement that has reportedly improved in recent years.
Mel B has spoken in various interviews about Eddie Murphy’s involvement in their child’s life. In a 2024 interview with Us Weekly, she noted that Eddie and Angel had formed a positive relationship. Murphy, a father of ten children, has remained largely private about his personal life but is known to maintain relationships with all of his children, according to interviews and public records cited by ET Online and People.
Angel’s Interests and Personal Expression
Mel B, who is also the mother of two other children, has shared in past interviews that Angel is creative and deeply interested in art and Japanese culture. These insights into Angel’s interests have been expressed during public appearances and social media posts by Mel B, reflecting a nurturing environment for personal growth and self-expression.
Support from Family and Broader Trends
Angel’s announcement is part of a broader trend in which more young adults are coming out as transgender, often with the support of family members. According to data from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, the number of young people in the United States identifying as transgender has been increasing, with many individuals reporting improved mental health outcomes when supported by family.
A 2022 report from the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on LGBTQ+ youth, indicated that transgender youth with supportive families experience significantly lower rates of depression and suicide attempts. Family affirmation, including the use of correct names and pronouns, plays a critical role in a transgender person’s well-being.
Visibility of Transgender Public Figures
Angel’s announcement follows similar public disclosures by others in the entertainment industry. For example, Airyn De Niro, child of actor Robert De Niro, also came out as transgender in recent years. In an interview with Them Magazine, Airyn shared her experiences navigating public attention while affirming her identity.
In response, Robert De Niro issued a supportive statement expressing unconditional love for his daughter, according to a 2023 interview published in The Independent and Variety. These high-profile examples highlight the growing societal awareness and dialogue around gender identity and the importance of parental support.
Public Reception and Media Responsibility
Angel’s decision to publicly share his identity has been met with a generally positive response online, reflecting evolving public discourse around gender diversity. Organizations such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign have long advocated for respectful media coverage of LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the need to avoid sensationalism and to focus on affirming language.
By simply stating his pronouns and being open about his identity, Angel contributes to broader visibility and representation for transgender youth. This aligns with current advocacy recommendations that call for the normalization of gender diversity and supportive coverage of personal milestones.
The Role of Parents and Allies
Parental support is consistently cited by healthcare and advocacy groups as a protective factor for transgender youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that healthcare providers work with families to ensure that transgender adolescents receive affirming care and family support.
Eddie Murphy and Mel B’s public support, both through statements and behavior, reflects these best practices. While they have maintained personal privacy, the available information suggests a unified approach in respecting and affirming their son’s identity.
Conclusion
Angel Brown’s public announcement as a transgender man marks a meaningful personal milestone as he enters adulthood. Supported by his family and embraced by a broader community, his story adds to the growing visibility of transgender individuals who are navigating their identities with strength and dignity.
His journey is a reminder of the importance of familial love, understanding, and respectful acknowledgment in shaping positive life experiences for LGBTQ+ youth.
Note: All medical and psychological references are based on guidance provided by organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Trevor Project. For questions related to gender identity and mental health, please consult qualified healthcare professionals.
Sources:
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Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org)
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The Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org)
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American Academy of Pediatrics (https://www.aap.org)
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UCLA Williams Institute (https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu)
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People Magazine, Variety, Them, Us Weekly
