Veteran comedian Eddie Murphy reflects on a "racist" joke made by David Spade on 'Saturday Night Live' that offended him, as well as his subsequent reconciliation with both Spade and the show's creator, Lorne Michaels.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, legendary comedian Eddie Murphy candidly addressed a controversial "racist" joke made about him by David Spade on 'Saturday Night Live' in 1995. The comment, delivered during the "Hollywood Minute" segment, had a profound impact on Murphy, who felt personally attacked by its implication that his career was floundering.
Reflecting on the incident, Murphy emphasized that the joke came during a time of heightened racial tensions in the media. "Back in the old days, they used to be relentless on me, and a lot of it was racist stuff. It was the '80s and just a whole different world," he said.
Eddie Murphy Opens Up About Past "Racist" Joke and Reconciliation with 'Saturday Night Live'
Murphy expressed particular dismay that the dig originated from a cast member of 'Saturday Night Live,' a show that had been a significant part of his own career and success. "Yo, it’s in-house! I’m one of the family, and you’re f------ with me like that?" he recalled thinking.
The joke wounded Murphy deeply, and he admitted that it led him to distance himself from 'Saturday Night Live' for several years. However, time and perspective ultimately softened his stance, and he returned to the show for a brief appearance in 2015 and hosted an episode in December of that year.
Eddie Murphy Opens Up About Past "Racist" Joke and Reconciliation with 'Saturday Night Live'
Murphy shared that he had made peace with both Spade and 'Saturday Night Live' creator Lorne Michaels. "In the long run, it’s all good," he said. "Worked out great. I’m cool with David Spade. Cool with Lorne Michaels. I went back to 'SNL' I’m cool with everybody. It’s all love."
In his 2015 memoir, Spade elaborated on the aftermath of the controversial joke, revealing that he received a furious call from Murphy in which the comedian expressed his outrage. Spade acknowledged that his comments had been inappropriate but emphasized his deep respect for Murphy.
Eddie Murphy Opens Up About Past "Racist" Joke and Reconciliation with 'Saturday Night Live'
The experience taught Spade a valuable lesson about the potential consequences of his words. "The truth was that when you are famous, you never want someone on a supposedly cool show to say you’re not cool," he wrote. "Even if the person saying it is a nobody like me. Fame is so fragile and fleeting, and it can disappear for a million reasons. A jab like the one I had directed at Eddie can be the thing that starts to turn public opinion against someone."
Murphy's willingness to forgive and move on demonstrates his resilience and the enduring power of reconciliation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of both freedom of expression and sensitivity to the impact of words, especially those uttered in the public eye.
Eddie Murphy Opens Up About Past "Racist" Joke and Reconciliation with 'Saturday Night Live'
