HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — So much for a period of bliss and the need to legally tie the knot.
In a stunning development, Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds have separated just 15 days after their seaside Jan. 1 nuptials in Bora Bora.
Just days after the couple's wedding ceremony on the French Polynesian island, reps acknowledged that the ceremony, having taken place outside the country, was not legally binding, but said the couple would be making it official upon their return to the U.S.
Apparently, those plans have since changed, according to a joint statement released by the former flames Wednesday.
"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," the former couple said.
"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."
In the end, the lack of a legally recognized union will actually come in handy, sparing Murphy and Edmonds from the formalities of a lengthy divorce or annulment.
The breakup comes on the heels of a less than fairy-tale beginning for the short-term newlyweds. According to People, which first broke the news, the first days of the newlyweds' honeymoon was marred by screaming matches and arguments that lasted the entire week.
Murphy, 46 and Edmonds, 40, began dating in the fall of 2006 following the actor's separation from then-pregnant Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown. Brown in turn gave birth to Murphy's daughter last April). Murphy and Edmonds became engaged last July.
Edmonds, a producer whose credits include "Who's Your Caddy?" and "Good Luck Chuck," was previously married to music mogul Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The couple, whose divorce was finalized last June, were together for 13 years and have two children together.
Murphy's first marriage was to Nicole Mitchell. The couple divorced in April 2006 after 13 years and five children together.
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