Best Supporting Actor-nominee Eddie Murphy of 'Dreamgirls' and his girlfriend Tracey Edmonds arrive at the 79th annual Academy Awards last year. - file

Bangshowbiz:

Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds split because she would not sign a prenuptial agreement.

The actor and film producer, whose relationship ended last week following their unofficial 'marriage' on a French Polynesian private island off the coast of Bora Bora on New Year's Day- reportedly broke up because she refused to sign the legal document before their official U.S. wedding.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "They always intended to make their marriage official with a U.S. ceremony, but when it came down to the legal marriage, Tracey wouldn't sign a prenup.

"There was no way Eddie would go through with it without knowing that his fortune would be protected if they split up."

Eddie is one of Hollywood's highest earning stars.

Last year, he reportedly earned US$15.5 million for starring in 'Norbit', and the same sum again for lending his voice to the character Donkey in 'Shrek the Third'.

Last week, it was reported Tracey and Eddie split because her sons Dylan and Brandon "hate him".

The couple reportedly had a blazing row which ended with Tracey branding Eddie's mother Lillian a "bh".

Officially single

The pair is 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's sons are from her 13-year marriage to singer Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds.