A Public Declaration: Angel Comes Out as Trans

In early June 2025, Angel Brown—Eddie Murphy’s 18-year-old child with former Spice Girl Mel B—made waves on social media by updating his Instagram bio to reflect his identity as a transgender man, adopting “he/him” pronouns . The announcement was presented quietly, without fanfare, but resonated powerfully within both celebrity and LGBTQ+ circles.

Support from Both Parents—Initially

Despite a turbulent co-parenting history since Angel’s birth in 2007, sources reported that both Murphy and Mel B offered support. Insiders told media outlets that Eddie “has been fully supportive” of Angel’s transition . Mel B echoed this in a celebratory post on Angel’s 18th birthday, speaking of pride and love for her “baby” .

Echoes of Abandonment: The Hashtag That Stings

Yet behind the public show of support, Angel has used #Abandoned by his father in captions and TikTok posts—sparking broader scrutiny of Eddie’s prior relationship with his trans son. A now-deleted clip hinted at emotional distance, with Angel asserting, “He’s never been really there for me.” While no full transcript is available, the tone suggested deeper pain.

A Childhood Shadowed by Denial

After Angel was born, Eddie Murphy initially denied paternity. It was only after a DNA test—publicly contested by Mel B—that he acknowledged Angel. This backstory was widely viewed as cold and calculating, rather than parental. Reddit discussions from around that time characterize Murphy as “a dirtbag” for rejecting his own child .

Co-Parenting in Progress, but Distance Persists

In mid-2025, Mel B shared that she and Eddie had improved their co-parenting relationship. Angel reportedly had visitation and even holiday time with him  Murphy also opened up publicly about being a “cool dad” present at school plays . But Angel’s own posts suggest that such moments, while pleasant, may not have been consistent or meaningful enough.

The Trans Son Speaks Out

Angel’s social media presence has grown more expressive recently. He’s described feelings of abandonment and alienation, indicating that he didn’t feel supported—not only emotionally, but also in navigating parenthood, transition-related healthcare, and representation. A viral TikTok said:

“He never looked me in the eyes. Always busy. People thought he was a good dad, but he wasn’t my dad.”

These statements sparked waves of sympathy and surprise, especially among fans nostalgic for Murphy’s “family man” persona.

Celebs and Conversations: Silence from Hollywood

The story quickly reached major entertainment outlets and LGBTQ+ voices. While Mel B continued to share supportive messages, Eddie himself remained publicly silent—with no statement acknowledging Angel’s recent disclosures or expressing regret. Rakish silence speaks volumes.

Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and celebrity peers urged Murphy to publicly affirm his trans son, especially now as Angel bravely articulates his experience and identity.

Why This Resonates: A Pattern of Hollywood Disconnect

The dispute reflects a broader pattern in celebrity parenting: the gulf between public image and private relationship. Eddie Murphy’s early paternity denial and the recent expressions of emotional distance paint a portrait of a father who may have supported his child from afar—but left him longing for connection.

In online forums, many fans expressed disappointment. One user lamented:

“He walked his daughter down the aisle, but he’s been a bad dad to some of his kids… including Angel”

What Might Happen Next?

A public apology or acknowledgment from Eddie Murphy could reshape public perception.

Angel may pursue advocacy or visibility work—empowering other transgender children of famous parents.

Family reunions or moments on social media might suggest softening boundaries.

The situation raises potent questions about identity, accountability, co-parenting, and the emotional responsibilities of celebrity parents.

Epilogue: A Son Finds His Voice

Angel Brown’s story is far more than a celebrity scandal—it’s a young person’s declaration of identity and unmet needs. Whether Eddie Murphy steps forward to fully embrace his son remains to be seen. But Angel’s path—from Instagram pronouns to heartfelt classics of abandonment—seems cast in his own terms.

“I am here. He might have left, but I’m staying,” one post reads—a poignant testament to resilience and self-definition.