(Splash)
Even though his well-trained PR rep is dutifully denying any such thing, the New York Daily News has the inside scoop on why Eddie Murphy was a no-show at the “Dreamgirls” premiere in London last weekend. Predictably, it has a little something to do with Melanie Brown, the Spice Girl he knocked up and then promptly kicked to the curb.

“London is her turf,” says our insider. “And Eddie knows Mel has a loyal fan base. He’s afraid the U.K.’s reaction to him won’t be good because of what he did to her.”

OMG, you guys. If I remember my American history correctly (and I totally don’t), then I’m pretty sure this is almost EXACTLY how the War of 1812 started.