Mel B’s Daughter, Phoenix Brown, Opens Up About Privilege and Challenges of Being a ‘Nepo Baby’
Phoenix Brown, the 25-year-old daughter of Spice Girl Mel B (real name Melanie Brown) and former dancer Jimmy Gulzar, recently shared her thoughts on the often-controversial topic of “nepo babies,” revealing how being born into a famous family has both opened doors and presented unique challenges. In a candid interview, she explained how children of celebrities, particularly Black children, must acknowledge the privileges they receive due to their famous parents.
Phoenix Brown’s Journey: From Nepo Baby to Career in Entertainment
Phoenix, a DJ and TV personality, spoke about the advantages and difficulties she faced growing up in the spotlight. She recalled how, despite striving to build her own career in entertainment, the doors that have opened for her are undeniably linked to her famous mother, Mel B. Phoenix explained, “I can’t deny that having Mel B as my mom opened a lot of doors for me.”
Phoenix, who is also friends with the Beckham children, recently filmed a documentary titled Born in the Limelight – Nepo Babies: UNTOLD. In this project, she interviewed 90 children of famous parents but noted that only one, Jack Keating, the son of Boyzone’s Ronan Keating, agreed to speak on camera. “I honestly think no one would care about what I have to say if it wasn’t for my mom,” she admitted.
Her documentary dives into the so-called “nepo baby” phenomenon, where children of celebrities often get opportunities faster than most. Phoenix acknowledged that while the advantages are clear, it’s essential to respect the hard work of her mother, who rose from humble beginnings. “My mom came from a working-class background, and no one opened doors for her. I wouldn’t have the life I have now without the hard work she put into her career. It would be foolish not to acknowledge that,” she shared.
Life Behind the Limelight: The Challenges of Fame
Phoenix’s path into the public eye took shape after joining her mother on Gogglebox, a British TV show, where their lively interactions quickly won the hearts of viewers. In September 2023, Phoenix signed a TV deal, which led to her documentary debut in October, exploring the world of nepo babies and their complex reality.
In the documentary, Phoenix also discussed how people only see the luxury side of being a celebrity child—big houses and expensive cars—without understanding the emotional challenges. “The reality of life is quite different; there are downsides. Growing up, I had to face hate just because my family was in the public eye. It’s uncomfortable when the press reports on your parents’ private life or, as in my case, when teachers ask about it,” she reflected.
The Influence of Mel B’s Legacy
Her mother, Mel B, had always been candid about the hardships of her rise to fame, explaining that she had to fight for her place in the industry. Mel’s advice has clearly resonated with Phoenix, who admits that she enjoys the perks of being a celebrity’s daughter, but also understands the inherent pressures.
Phoenix is the eldest child of Mel B and Jimmy Gulzar, and her family tree includes two other sisters: Angel Murphy Brown (17), from Mel’s relationship with Eddie Murphy, and Madison Brown Belafonte (11), from Mel’s marriage to Stephen Belafonte. Last year, Phoenix moved out of her mother’s home to live with her boyfriend, though she humorously revealed the real reason for her move: to avoid seeing her famous mom in her lingerie.
The topic came up during an appearance on Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents Evening, where host Richard Madeley shared his discomfort with wearing underwear, prompting Phoenix to joke, “That’s why I moved out!” The lighthearted comment sparked laughs, but Phoenix’s humor couldn’t mask the reality of growing up as a public figure’s child.
Overcoming Bullying and Finding Strength
In a previous interview with The Mirror, Phoenix opened up about her struggles with bullying during her school years, where she found it challenging to make friends. Despite the difficulties of being the daughter of Scary Spice, she was often ostracized, and at one point, a “We Hate Phoenix” club was formed at her school. However, as Phoenix matured, she began to navigate her fame more confidently, acknowledging that racial challenges also played a role in her experiences.
Phoenix’s story is one of resilience, privilege, and self-awareness. She is carving her own path in the entertainment world, yet remains humble and transparent about the immense impact her mother’s legacy has had on her opportunities. She’s fully aware of the extra attention and scrutiny she faces, but Phoenix is determined to make her mark, acknowledging both the privilege and the struggle that comes with being a “Nepo Baby.”
Through her story, Phoenix Brown encourages a deeper conversation about the advantages and disadvantages of celebrity lineage, urging society to reflect on how fame can shape—and sometimes complicate—one’s journey in the world.
