PALIN MITENK BLOG

By Emily Sheridan

Happy families: Melanie Brown and husband Stephen Belafonte with her daughters Phoenix Chi (2nd right) and Angel Iris (front left) and his daughter Giselle (2nd left)


Eddie Murphy has been a notable absence in his youngest daughter Angel Iris's life since her birth three years ago.

But after years of estrangement, it appears Murphy and his ex-girlfriend Melanie Brown have finally put their difficulties behind them for the sake of their daughter.

The former couple stunned Hollywood yesterday when they both turned up with their respective families to the LA premiere of Murphy's new film Shrek Forever After.

While the pair weren't photographed together, it was the first time they've been seen in same place since their high-profile split in 2006.

Along with Angel, Mel B posed on the red carpet with husband Stephen Belafonte, her eldest daughter Phoenix Chi, 11, and her stepdaughter Giselle, six.

Meanwhile, Murphy was surrounded by his seven older children from previous relationships - Bria and Eric, 21; Christian, 20; Miles, 18; Shayne, 16; Zola, 11; and Bella, eight.

Murphy, 49, and Brown, 34, are back on speaking terms after encouragement from the actor's ex-wife Nicole Mitchell.


Large brood: Eddie Murphy with his seven oldest children Bria and Eric, 21; Christian, 20; Miles, 18; Shayne, 16; Zola, 11; and Bella, eight


Mitchell, who has five children with the comedian, struck up a friendship with Brown soon after Angel's birth because she wanted her kids to know their half-sister.

The actor and ex-Spice Girl are rumoured to have only just reconciled, with Murphy inviting her to a party at his Los Angeles home earlier this month.

A source told the New York Daily News: 'While promoting Shrek Forever After, Eddie talked a lot about his kids. Ever since, he's been making efforts with Mel to get to know their daughter.

'They've both said some really nasty things about each other to the press. So needless to say, some guests (at his party) were shocked


Working things out: Brown and Murphy dated for six months in 2006


'Eddie's ex-wife Nicole helped them reconcile their issues, too. Angel is Eddie's youngest child, and Nicole wanted her children to know her. That helped Eddie to come around and get past all the animosity he had toward Mel.'

Brown and Murphy started dating in June 2006 - two months after the actor divorced ex-wife Nicole Mitchell.

But the comedian stunned the then-five months pregnant Brown when he called off their relationship while she was visiting her mother home in Leeds.

Appearing on Dutch TV show RTL Boulevard in December 2006, Murphy reacted rudely to a question about his pregnant girlfriend.


As they were: Murphy and Brown during their brief relationship, out and about in Hollywood in September 2006


He said: 'You're being presumptuous, because we're not together anymore. And I don't know whose child that is, until it comes out and has a blood test. You shouldn't jump to conclusions, sir.'


Peacemaker: Murphy's ex-wife Nicole Mitchell is said to be behind the former couple's newfound civility to each other


In an interview a few weeks after Angel's birth on April 3 2007, Brown admitted she was 'shocked' and 'disgusted' by Murphy's behaviour.

She said: 'I was shocked and then I felt a bit disgusted. I don't feel humiliated. I think the only person who has humiliated themselves is Eddie.

'If he wants to do a DNA test, then do it. Step up to the plate and be responsible. I have no doubt that this is Eddie's baby.'

Two months after Angel's birth, a DNA test did prove Murphy was the father and the couple soon became embroiled in a public war of words over the baby.

While Murphy acknowledged paternity of Angel, he denied Brown's claims that they had planned to start a family together.

His lawyer said: 'Eddie Murphy always has and will continue to honour his responsibilities as a father. Mr Murphy and Ms Brown dated very briefly and never made any plans of any sort.'

Speaking about their relationship earlier this year, Brown said: 'I have full custody of Angel and that's about it. He (Eddie) doesn't see her, doesn't want to see her. That's just the way it is. She's very content. She doesn't know any different.'


source: dailymail