Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds split because her kids "hate" him

Eddie Murphy's marriage to Tracey Edmonds finished because her kids "hate" him.

The 'Nutty Professor' actor - who announced they had split on Wednesday, reportedly had a blazing row with Tracey's sons Brandon and Dylan - which ended with her branding Eddie's mother Lillian a "b***h".

A source is quoted by MSNBC as saying: "Tracey's kids hate Eddie. They had an argument that ended in Edmonds calling Eddie's mom a b***h.

"Eddie was also upset that Tracey was refusing to take his last name after their 'wedding' ceremony."

Earlier this week the pair - who took part in a "symbolic union" in Bora Bora on New Year's Day  - released a statement saying: "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 the deep love, friendship and respect we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends."

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

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 singer Mel B.

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

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that someone who attended the ceremony on the French Polynesian private island in Bora Bora, is attempting to sell video footage of the day for $1 million. One entertainment news show is said to have already offered $50,000.

Eddie's representative insisted: "None of Eddie's friends would ever do that."