Spice Girl and anti-domestic abuse campaigner Melanie Brown MBE to receive honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University

The award recognises her role as a campaigner and advocate for domestic abuse victims, as well as her reputation as a globally recognised music icon.

Born in Leeds, Melanie Brown MBE rose to fame as a member of The Spice Girls, selling over 85 million records and spearheading the Girl Power movement. Melanie has since seen success as a television entertainer, musical theatre star and actress.

Following the release of her 2018 memoir Brutally Honest, Melanie has become an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. After sharing her personal experiences in her book, Melanie was made a patron of Women's Aid and has since been invited to speak in Parliament on the topic. In 2022, Melanie was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for services to survivors of domestic abuse.

This year, a further three chapters have been added to her memoir, focusing on overcoming the trauma of abuse; and Melanie has enrolled in the Trauma Informed Care course at Leeds Beckett University.

Speaking about receiving the award, Melanie Brown MBE said: "Being awarded this honorary degree from Leeds Beckett University has been life changing.

"I didn't just want to accept an award. I wanted to be accepted as a student at Leeds Beckett. Not only have I been awarded this degree, but I was also accepted as a student on the Trauma Informed Care course which has been a huge step for me in so many ways.

"I am proud to feel part of this university in my hometown, proud to have come here as Melanie Brown, proud to have worked alongside other students and received excellent guidance from the teaching staff."

Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, said:"On behalf of all our students, colleagues and governors here at Leeds Beckett University, I would like to congratulate Melanie Brown MBE on this Honorary Degree.

"As a child of this city who reached the top of her industry and then used her platform to advocate for those who shared her hardships, Melanie is exactly the type of citizen we are here to champion.

"This year, she joins over 2,300 graduates from the School of Health, equipping a generation of professionals to meet the healthcare challenges of the nation both now and into the future."

Melanie Brown MBE will receive her honorary doctorate during Leeds Beckett's graduation week in July, where over 7,500 students and nearly 29,000 guests will attend ceremonies. Over 10,000 students will graduate from the university this summer.