Mel B Files Murphy Paternity Petition
Lawyer Gloria Allred announced in a press conference Wednesday afternoon that Melanie Brown has filed a petition to legally establish that Eddie Murphy is the father of her baby.
She is also seeking sole legal and physical custody of Angel Iris Murphy Brown and what Allred called "reasonable child support" of the 4-month-old baby.
"We will let the court decide what is reasonable," Allred said.
Brown, 32, said that the pregnancy was planned and that the two were in a relationship for about 4 months.
The 46-year-old actor took a DNA test in June which, according to a statment released by Allred earlier in the day, proved Murphy was the father.
"The relationship was in full swing right in the beginning of our pregnancy," Brown said. "When you plan a pregnancy you have to be in a committed solid relationship."
"Babies need both love and support and they need both parents in their lives, not just their mother," said Allred. "Being a father doesn't mean just conceiving a child. Mr. Murphy can have all of the girlfriends he chooses to have. But his priority should always be his children."
Photographers tried to coax Brown to bring out the baby, who was in an adjoining room during the conference, or to show them photographs. She refused, but described Angel as looking like both parents.
"She's taken the best of both of us," said Brown.
Brown said she has no contact with Murphy, but Allred did tell reporters that the attorneys have been talking.
"We've had communication with his attorney and now it's time for us to move forward. And that's what we've done this morning by filing the petition in court and letting the judge decide," said Allred.
A call to a spokesman for Murphy wasn't immediately returned. He normally does not comment on Murphy's private life.Photos: Eddie Murphy
Brown gave birth to Angel Iris Murphy Brown on April 3. She listed Murphy as the father on the birth certificate.
Murphy has five children from his marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy, who filed for divorce in 2005. He recently became engaged to producer Tracey Edmonds.
Brown also has an 8-year-old daughter.
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