Mel B's Relationship Timeline: From Spice Girls Star to Third Marriage
Mel B, famously known as "Scary Spice" from the iconic Spice Girls, has captivated public attention not only with her music career but also with her headline-making personal life. Before marrying hairstylist Rory McPhee in July 2025, the British singer experienced a series of high-profile relationships and marriages that shaped her journey as a mother and public figure. This article delves into her full relationship timeline, highlighting key moments and insights from her past.
Early Marriage to Jimmy Gulzar (1998–2000)
Mel B's first marriage was to Dutch dancer Jimmy Gulzar, whom she met during the Spice Girls' 1998 Spiceworld Tour. Their relationship blossomed quickly, with an engagement just two months after meeting and a wedding on 13 September 1998 in Buckinghamshire. The couple welcomed their daughter, Phoenix Chi Gulzar, in February 1999. However, the marriage faced significant pressures from media scrutiny and career demands, leading Mel B to file for divorce in 2000 after only 15 months. In a 2025 interview, Gulzar described the legal battles as akin to "David facing Goliath," reflecting the tumultuous nature of their split.
Long-Term Relationship with Christine Crokos (2001–2006)
Following her divorce, Mel B entered a long-term relationship with film producer Christine Crokos, which lasted from 2001 to 2006. The pair lived together in Los Angeles, and Mel B has consistently emphasized the seriousness of this romance, countering media portrayals that framed it as a fleeting experiment. In a 2016 interview, she stated, "It wasn’t experimentation. I fell in love with a woman for five years. An experiment doesn’t last five years." Despite their breakup, reportedly due to issues like possessiveness, they have maintained a friendly relationship, with Mel B confirming in a 2024 interview that they still keep in touch.
High-Profile Romance with Eddie Murphy (2006)
In 2006, Mel B began dating American comedian Eddie Murphy after meeting at a dinner party in Los Angeles. She described their connection as immediate and intense, recalling in her 2018 memoir, "It was like a 2,000-volt surge of electricity had gone through my body... I'd never felt like that before." The couple became engaged quickly, with Murphy even tattooing Mel B's name on his hip. However, the relationship ended abruptly later that year while Mel B was pregnant. Murphy publicly questioned the paternity during a TV interview, but a DNA test later confirmed he was the father of their daughter, Angel Iris Murphy Brown, born on 3 April 2007. Over time, they have developed a strong co-parenting relationship, with Mel B praising Murphy as a "proper father" in a 2025 interview.
Decade-Long Marriage to Stephen Belafonte (2007–2017)
Mel B's second marriage was to film producer Stephen Belafonte, whom she wed in a secret Las Vegas ceremony in June 2007, shortly after the birth of her daughter with Murphy. The couple had a daughter together, Madison Brown Belafonte, in 2011. For years, they presented a united front publicly, but behind closed doors, the marriage was fraught with tension. In March 2017, Mel B filed for divorce, seeking a restraining order and alleging a "dark history" of domestic violence. She later revealed in interviews the emotional toll of maintaining a facade, saying, "You end up putting on a brave face and hoping that nobody finds out [what’s going on at home]." Belafonte has denied all allegations, calling them false in a 2024 interview, and legal disputes continued into 2025.
Current Marriage to Rory McPhee
After these tumultuous relationships, Mel B found stability with hairstylist Rory McPhee, marrying him on 5 July 2025 at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. This marks her third marriage, bringing a new chapter to her personal life. Reflecting on her past, Mel B's journey highlights the complexities of fame, love, and motherhood, with each relationship contributing to her growth as an individual and public icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Mel B? She is a British singer, actress, and TV personality, best known as "Scary Spice" from the Spice Girls.
- How many times has Mel B been married? She is currently in her third marriage.
- Who was Mel B married to for 10 years? She was married to Stephen Belafonte from 2007 to 2017.
- Do Mel B and Eddie Murphy have a child together? Yes, they have a daughter named Angel Iris Murphy Brown.
- When did Mel B marry Rory McPhee? The wedding took place on 5 July 2025.
Mel B's relationship history, from her early marriage to Jimmy Gulzar to her recent union with Rory McPhee, showcases a life marked by both public adoration and personal challenges. As she continues her career and family life, her story remains a testament to resilience in the face of media scrutiny and personal upheaval.
