David Spade has revisited a long-standing conflict with Eddie Murphy that originated from a joke made over 30 years ago. The 61-year-old comedian shared insights on the incident during a recent episode of his podcast, Fly on the Wall, co-hosted by fellow Saturday Night Live alumnus Dana Carvey.
In 1995, Spade delivered a line during a “Hollywood Minute” sketch that featured an image of Eddie Murphy. He quipped, “Look children, it’s a falling star, make a wish.” This comment did not sit well with Murphy, who later described it as “racist.” Spade reflected on how the joke altered their relationship, creating tension that persisted for years.
Reconnecting at the SNL50 special earlier this year, Spade revealed that he and Murphy have since resolved their differences. “We talked a little bit and everything’s fine,” Spade recounted. “He admitted on the show— they just asked him about it— and he said, ‘Yeah, we’re all good.’ So we’re all good.”
Prior to this reconciliation, Spade admitted that their relationship had faced “bumps in the road.” He described the surreal feeling of transitioning from being a “super fan” of Murphy to believing the Beverly Hills Cop star “hated” him overnight. “I made fun of him and it didn’t go well, and he called me and we had it out,” Spade explained. “Actually, he had it out. I didn’t fight back really, because I did feel a little guilty about it, and he did make some sense. I just didn’t like that because he was a hero.”
As of now, Spade is relieved that Murphy has moved past the incident. “Eddie, he just totally let it go,” he said. The discussion came amidst a broader conversation about the impact of celebrity culture and the sometimes intense scrutiny that entertainers face.
Earlier this year, Spade also shared an alarming experience where fans followed him home, illustrating the challenges of fame. Despite these moments, it seems that the bond between these two legendary comedians has been restored, allowing them to reflect on their past with a sense of humor and understanding.
