Mel B, former Spice Girl and advocate for domestic abuse survivors, is set to receive an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University for her outstanding charity work. The ceremony, scheduled for next month, will honor Brown’s dedication to supporting victims of domestic abuse.
After leaving an abusive relationship herself, Mel B has become a prominent campaigner for domestic abuse victims. In 2018, she was appointed as a patron of Women’s Aid, and in 2022, she was awarded an MBE for her services to charitable causes and vulnerable women.
In a statement, the singer expressed her gratitude for the prestigious recognition, calling it “an incredible honor.” Mel B has also been pursuing further education at the university in her hometown, completing a course in trauma-informed care.
Reflecting on her journey, Mel B shared, “Since leaving my marriage, I’ve expressed my desire to attend university, and this opportunity has allowed me to fulfill that dream. I am proud to be a part of this university in my home town and grateful for the support I have received from the teaching staff and fellow students.”
Leeds Beckett vice chancellor, Professor Peter Slee, commended Mel B for her achievements, stating, “Melanie Brown MBE is a shining example of a citizen who has used her platform to advocate for those in need. We are proud to honor her with this degree.”
In a recent interview with the BBC, Mel B opened up about her struggles after leaving her ex-husband, Stephen Belafonte, including emotional, physical, and financial abuse. Belafonte, a film producer, has denied the allegations made against him by the singer.
Mel B’s resilience and commitment to helping others have not gone unnoticed, and her upcoming honorary doctorate serves as a testament to her dedication to making a difference in the lives of domestic abuse survivors.