Eddie Murphy Slams David Spade's 'Racist' Joke on SNL

Eddie Murphy has voiced his displeasure over a joke made by David Spade on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) in 1995, which he described as a "cheap shot" and "racist." The joke, part of Spade's "Hollywood Minute" segment, came after the box office failure of Murphy's film "Vampire in Brooklyn." Murphy, who was an SNL cast member from 1980 to 1984, felt the joke was a personal attack and questioned why it was allowed to air, suggesting it wouldn't have been if he were white.

The incident significantly impacted Murphy, who avoided appearing on SNL for more than 30 years. He made a brief appearance during the show's 40th anniversary special in 2015 and returned as a host in 2019. Spade later wrote about receiving an upset call from Murphy after the joke aired, expressing regret over his "stupid joke." Despite the controversy, Murphy has maintained professional relationships with Spade and SNL creator Lorne Michaels.