MEL B RECEIVES ANTI-ABUSE HONOUR

Spice Girls star Melanie Brown has not only sailed through her university exams, she’s also been awarded an honorary doctorate

- Melanie Brown

Melanie Brown has shown there’s more to girl power than just being a Spice Girl – she has received an honorary doctorate for her work supporting victims of domestic violence. In an official ceremony on 15 July, Mel, 49, was recognised for “her role as a campaigner and advocate for domestic abuse victims, as well as her reputation as a globally recognised music icon”. 

And the singer was emotional as she took to the podium, wearing a bespoke leopardprint gown. “I just can’t be more thankful… and so grateful to be receiving this,” she said, adding that she was “humbled and proud”.

“In my life, I have been to many, many places and done many extraordinary things, but being here today as a graduate of Leeds Beckett University is honestly as massive an achievement as performing at Wembley Stadium with the Spice Girls,” she gushed. 

The award follows Mel’s own experience of domestic violence, allegedly at the hands of former husband Stephen Belafonte, who has always denied any abuse towards her.