Jan 24, 2008, 13:35 GMT
Tracey Edmonds reportedly split from Eddie Murphy because of his "controlling Jekyll and Hyde-like character".
12/02/2007 - Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds - KAPUT...Hollywood, CA USA © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos
Despite reports the couple's relationship broke down because Edmonds refused to sign a prenuptial agreement, an insider claims the film producer called things off after Murphy became physically intimidating towards her.
The source told the New York Post newspaper: "That was kind of the last straw. She was happy to sign a prenup - she has her own money. She was very accommodating. But then it was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
"Eddie became very controlling and insisted on bringing his mother on their honeymoon.
"They got into a huge fight. He started screaming at her and grabbed her. She was scared."
'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is a book written by Robert Louis Stevenson, telling the story of a London lawyer with a split personality.
The couple exchanged vows on the beach on a French Polynesian private island off the coast of Bora Bora on New Year's Day (01.01.08). They split just days before a planned civil ceremony to make their 'marriage' official.
The insider also insists before Murphy's Jekyll-like transformation, Edmonds had been very happy and was devoted to the actor, adding: "She was even willing to change her name to Tracey Murphy, and all the wedding invites and place cards had her labelled as such."
While a representative for Edmonds refused to comment, a representative for Murphy said, "We won't comment any further on this."
Murphy and Edmonds began dating in late 2006 and were engaged in July 2007.
Murphy 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.
Edmonds' sons are from her 13-year marriage to singer Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds.
(C) BANG Media International
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