Eddie Murphy, a former cast member who helped revive Saturday Night Live, is openly discussing the deep hurt caused by a controversial joke made about him on the show, reigniting discussion around the Eddie Murphy SNL controversy. The new Netflix documentary Being Eddie delves into Murphy’s reaction to the incident and its long-lasting impact on his relationship with SNL.
The Joke That Sparked Decades of Silence
On December 9, 1995, David Spade delivered a “Spade in America” sketch featuring a photo of Murphy, whose film Vampire in Brooklyn had recently struggled at the box office. Spade’s comment—
“Look, children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish.”
—was made on-air, targeting Murphy’s career. The moment became infamous for the sting it left on Murphy, who was just 19 when he joined SNL in 1980 and was largely credited with saving the program from being canceled during a tumultuous period.
Murphy describes the experience, stating,
It’s like your alma mater taking a shot at you,
Eddie Murphy, comedian. The reaction in the studio audience offered immediate feedback—
The audience there said ‘boo,’ and hissed him for saying it,
Eddie Murphy, comedian. He continued,
I was hurt. My feelings was hurt.
Eddie Murphy, comedian.
Why the Joke Cut Deep for Murphy
Murphy reflected on the process leading to the televised joke, sharing his thoughts on the show’s editorial decisions.
All of those channels that the joke has to go through
Eddie Murphy, comedian. He argued that this made the moment personal, because several people must have signed off before the joke aired. Murphy added,
If there was a joke like that right now, and it was about some other SNL cast member, and it was about how f‑‑‑ed up their career was, it would get shot down,
Eddie Murphy, comedian.
The producers look at you, ‘You can’t, you’re not saying that joke.’
Eddie Murphy, comedian.
Though the immediate fallout was directed at the show itself, Murphy emphasizes that he did not blame Spade alone for the situation.
I wasn’t like, f‑‑‑ David Spade. I was like, oh, f‑‑‑ SNL. F‑‑‑ y’all. How y’all gonna do this s‑‑‑? That’s what y’all think of me? Oh, you dirty motherf‑‑‑er,
Eddie Murphy, comedian.
And that’s why I didn’t go back for years.
Eddie Murphy, comedian.
Fallout and Long-Term Impact on SNL Relationship
As a result of feeling publicly slighted, Murphy distanced himself from SNL, choosing not to return for many years. His absence highlighted the fractious relationship that resulted from the 1995 incident, underscoring the broader implications for the show’s alumni network and its internal culture.
Return to SNL and Reflections from Colleagues
After decades away, Murphy made a celebrated return to Saturday Night Live as host on December 21, 2019, stepping onto the Studio 8H stage for the first time in 35 years. Speaking about this milestone, Murphy recalled,
Going back to Saturday Night Live was a great experience,
Eddie Murphy, comedian.
My creative energy, everything had been turned back up to 10.
Eddie Murphy, comedian.
On that night, Dave Chappelle also participated, offering his viewpoint from behind the scenes.
Seeing Eddie Murphy in Studio 8H, it’s like I can’t explain it. It’s like being on safari and seeing a lion in the wild,
Dave Chappelle, comedian.
Even being in the sketch, I thought, I can’t believe this is happening.
Dave Chappelle, comedian.
Recent Encounters and Current Relations
Murphy returned for SNL’s 50th anniversary special in February, appearing with various past and present cast members. Although Murphy and Spade did not share a sketch, Spade mentioned on his Fly on the Wall podcast that they bumped into each other backstage. He described the interaction’s tone:
We should’ve taken a picture, ’cause it was fun to see him, and then there was no weird vibes at the show. It was all good.
David Spade, comedian.
The Lasting Significance of the SNL Controversy
The Eddie Murphy SNL controversy has highlighted sensitive issues regarding respect within the comedy community, as well as the impact of editorial decisions on longstanding relationships. Murphy’s reflection on the experience shows how such incidents can create rifts that last decades, influencing how stars like Murphy view and participate in the very institutions that once fostered their rise. With Being Eddie now streaming on Netflix, new audiences are witnessing the emotional and professional significance of these moments, and the show faces renewed conversation on how it treats its most influential alumni moving forward.
