The rumors started swirling when Murphy was seen leaving the awards show directly after Arkin's win was announced. A source for Page Six said, "He was furious and just went home." Though Murphy told Us Weekly, "It's fine. It happens. It's OK," after being overlooked for the trophy, he still chose to miss his Dreamgirls castmates performance of the three numbers from their movie that were nominated for Best Original Song

Eddie's rep was quick to stomp out the gossip about his client. He told People magazine, "Eddie had always planned on leaving after his category was announced to spend the rest of the evening with his family. He did the same thing following the Golden Globe Awards…Murphy did win at the Globes."

And People notes that Eddie took his time leaving the Kodak theatre - not the behavior of someone in a huff. The magazine reports, "After [Eddie and his girlfriend, Tracey Edmonds] left their seats the couple were spotted just outside the theater doors in heavy conversation – and in a group-hug – with studio head Harvey Weinstein."