By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
There is no doubt about it; it's hard living in the shadow of a major celebrity -- who is also a family member.
Ask Janet Jackson about it. Her big brother is Michael Jackson.
Talk to Ashlee Simpson to get some details. Her big sister is Jessica Simpson.
Even query Ray-J about how to navigate it. His big sister is Brandy Norwood.
And it becomes even harder when that said celebrity is the constant subject of scandal and negative publicity.
Charlie Murphy, brother of the box office superstar known as Eddie Murphy, knows this scenario oh so well.
With this whole Mel. B/Scary Spice paternity drama, it wouldn't be long before his name was thrown into the mix -- being a sought-after stand-up comedian and TV personality, himself.
Brother Dearest was allegedly overheard telling fans that Eddie had gotten a vasectomy, making Mel's claims impossible. (31-year old former Spice Girl member Melanie Brown has alleged that the 46-year-old star of 'Beverly Hills Copy' is the father of her one-month old daughter Angel Iris Murphy Brown.)
The vasectomy theory has spread like wildfire, and Charlie Murphy wanted to set the record straight.
"As far as I know, this [incident] never happened," he said to a weekly tabloid. "How would I know if my brother had a vasectomy? Charlie Murphy does not have the itinerary on any man's penis!"
Whoa.
Comedians have a way of putting really real things into perspective.
According to the latest, Murphy -- just nominated for a coveted Academy Award for his stunning performance in 'Dreamgirls' and will next star in 'Shrek the Third' -- has not taken in a paternity taste to confirm whether or not he is the child's father.
