Eddie Murphy is a solo act again

Jan 17, 2008, 11:30 GMT

Eddie Murphy - © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Eddie Murphy and his new 'wife' Tracey Edmonds have split.

The comic actor and film producer - who exchanged vows on a French Polynesian private island off the coast of Bora Bora on New Year's Day (01.01.08) - have decided not to go ahead with a US ceremony to make their marriage legally binding.

Eddie, 46, and Tracey, 40, said in a statement: "After much consideration and discussion, we have jointly decided that we will forego having a legal ceremony as it is not necessary to define our relationship further.

"While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends."

The couple's union reportedly got off to a rocky start following their romantic beach ceremony, which was conducted at sunset in front of 25 friends and family.

A wedding guest said: "Eddie started yelling at Tracey in front of people. He did it on a few occasions and it was very embarrassing."

The pair are still officially single under the eyes of Polynesian law, which dictates newlyweds must live there for a month to make their marriage legally binding.

Eddie and Tracey began dating in late 2006 and were engaged in July 2007.

Eddie has five children from his marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy, who filed for divorce in 2005. He also has a daughter, Angel Iris, with Spice Girl Mel B.

Tracey has two sons from her 13-year marriage to singer Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds.

(C) BANG Media International