Eddie Murphy Slams SNL for Joking About His Movie Flop

Eddie Murphy has finally opened up about his decision to stay away from “Saturday Night Live” for decades in his new Netflix documentary, “Being Eddie.” The rift between Murphy and the show started back in 1995 when David Spade made a joke about Murphy’s struggling movie career on “SNL.” Although Murphy initially called the joke “racist,” he clarifies in the documentary that his anger was directed towards the show as a whole and not Spade personally.

During his time on “SNL” from 1980 to 1984, Murphy became a comedy star and helped boost the show’s ratings. However, a decade into his post-“SNL” career, Murphy faced a box office flop with the movie “Vampire in Brooklyn.” Spade’s joke on “Weekend Update” about the film’s poor reception deeply hurt Murphy. He recalls feeling betrayed by the show that had launched his career, saying, “I was like, hurt. My feelings were hurt. It’s like your alma mater taking a shot at you.”

Spade later expressed regret for the joke in his memoir, admitting that the backlash from Murphy was more intense than he had anticipated. Despite not harboring any personal animosity towards Spade, Murphy’s resentment towards “SNL” led him to stay away from the show for many years.

After a brief appearance at the “SNL” 40th anniversary special in 2015, Murphy eventually returned to host the show’s 2019 Christmas episode. He realized the importance of reconnecting with his roots and putting the past behind him. Murphy explains in the documentary that he no longer holds any grudges and wanted to reestablish his connection with “SNL.”

“Being Eddie” offers a candid look at Murphy’s journey and is now available for streaming on Netflix. It sheds light on the complexities of fame, humor, and forgiveness in the world of comedy.