Eddie Murphy, in a recent interview with the New York Times, reflected on a “racist” joke made by David Spade during an “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) sketch in the 1990s. Murphy, a former SNL cast member, expressed his frustration and hurt over the remark that targeted his career following the flop of his 1995 horror spoof “Vampire in Brooklyn.”
The Controversial Joke
In December 1995, during Spade’s “Hollywood Minute” sketch on SNL, a photo of Murphy appeared on the screen. Spade commented, “Look children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish.” This remark came after the box office failure of “Vampire in Brooklyn,” and Murphy felt it was a direct, personal attack.
Murphy told the New York Times, “It was like: ‘Yo, it’s in-house! I’m one of the family, and you’re fucking with me like that?’ It hurt my feelings like that.” He labeled the joke as a “cheap shot” and “racist,” highlighting his contributions to SNL. “The show would have been off the air if I didn’t go back on the show, and now you got somebody from the cast making a crack about my career?” Murphy said, emphasizing his pivotal role in the show’s history.
Spade’s Reflection
In his 2015 memoir “Almost Interesting,” Spade recalled Murphy’s reaction to the joke. He admitted feeling horrible after Murphy confronted him, acknowledging, “I’ve come to see Eddie’s point on this one… When you get reamed in a sketch or online or however, that shit staaaangs.”
Murphy’s Return to SNL
Murphy did not return to SNL for nearly three decades following the incident. However, he appeared in the show’s 40th anniversary special in 2015 and hosted an episode in 2019. Reflecting on his return, Murphy said, “In the long run, it’s all good. 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.”
Past Racism in the Media
Murphy also discussed the relentless and often racist press coverage he faced during the 1980s. He described how the media would twist his words and portray him in a negative light, reflecting the broader societal racism of that era. “Just think about it: Ronald Reagan was the president, and it was that America,” Murphy said.
Upcoming Projects
Looking forward, Murphy is set to star in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which will stream worldwide on Netflix starting July 3. Murphy has been trying to revive the franchise since 1996, believing that the 1994 sequel didn’t live up to expectations. The film finally came together with the involvement of original producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
