Fighting broke out at the premiere of EDDIE MURPHY's new movie - when the star didn't turn up.

Two fans started a violent scuffle after the comedian missed the premiere showing of dr Dolittle 2 (2001) in New York.

An onlooker says, "One just started punching the other in the face. There was blood everywhere. "

It later emerged that the star missed the bash to attend the funeral of his stepfather VERNON LYNCH - who died on Father's day (17JUN01). (IG&KL/WNV&WNTRE/ES)

Source: WENN