Imagine turning a comedy legend into an overnight adversary with a single punchline – that's exactly what David Spade did to Eddie Murphy back in 1995! This story of a joke gone wrong, a feud that simmered for decades, and an eventual reconciliation highlights the high-stakes world of celebrity comedy, where quick laughs can lead to lasting grudges. But here's where it gets controversial... was the joke really just harmless satire, or did it cross into something more offensive, like racism? Stick around as we dive into the details, and you might find yourself questioning the fine line between humor and hurt. And this is the part most people miss – how even Hollywood icons navigate forgiveness after public spats.
David Spade, the quick-witted comedian known for his roles in movies and his time on Saturday Night Live (SNL for short, if you're new to this – it's that iconic late-night sketch show that's been making America laugh since the 1970s), recently opened up about patching things up with Eddie Murphy. After more than 30 years, the tension from the disastrous reception of Murphy's 1995 film Vampire in Brooklyn has finally faded. Spade shared on his podcast Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey that he and Murphy are now 'all good,' thanks in part to their reunion at the SNL50: The 50th Anniversary Special last year. But it wasn't always smooth sailing – Spade admits he once made the Oscar-nominated actor 'hate me overnight' with a joke roasting the movie.
Reflecting on the incident, Spade explained the wild shift from being a huge fan to dealing with Murphy's wrath. 'It was strange transitioning from admiring him as a superstar to suddenly having him despise me after that one bit, and then spending the next 25 years trying to make amends,' he recounted warmly yet candidly. The drama kicked off with some early bumps in their relationship. Fresh to SNL's 'Weekend Update' segment – that's the show's news parody bit where comedians poke fun at current events and celebrities – Spade, still new to the gig, decided to target a bunch of big names, including Murphy. He zinged Vampire in Brooklyn, a comedy-horror flick that bombed at the box office despite high hopes (think of it as Eddie Murphy's attempt at a supernatural rom-com, but it flopped hard, costing millions and earning lukewarm reviews). Spade's line? 'Look, children, it's a falling star. Make a wish. Yes, that’s right. You make a Hollywood Minute omelet, you break some eggs.' Ouch – a direct jab at the film's failure.
Spade recalled Murphy confronting him directly: 'He called me up, and we had a heated exchange. Actually, he did most of the talking; I didn't push back much because I felt a twinge of regret. He made some valid points, but I wasn't thrilled because he was my hero.' It's a relatable moment for anyone who's ever apologized after a joke landed poorly – sometimes, even comedians realize the power of words.
Fast-forward, and Spade mentioned bumping into Murphy 'a couple of times' since then, with things thawing during SNL's 25th anniversary bash in February. By last year, Murphy was ready to host the show again, showing he's fully moved on. In a recent interview, the comedian called Spade's joke 'a cheap shot' and even labeled it 'racist,' explaining, 'It felt personal.' Yet, he added a positive spin: 'In the end, everything worked out fine. I'm at peace with David Spade, with Lorne Michaels (SNL's longtime producer), and I even returned to host SNL. It's all good vibes now.'
Murphy's own history with SNL adds layers to this tale – he was a trailblazing cast member from 1980 to 1984, delivering unforgettable sketches and characters that shaped comedy. His 2019 return as host, paired with artists like Lizzo, earned him his first Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, cementing his legacy.
But let's pause on that controversial label: Murphy calling the joke 'racist.' Was it truly prejudiced, or just edgy humor in the spirit of SNL's tradition of roasting stars? Some might argue that targeting a Black comedian's film in that way could carry racial undertones, especially given Hollywood's history of harshly judging projects from diverse creators. Others might defend it as fair game in comedy, where no one is off-limits. What do you think – does comedy have boundaries when it comes to race and celebrity egos? Was Spade wrong to apologize, or should comedians stand by their bits no matter the fallout? Share your take in the comments – do you side with Murphy's view, or do you think this feud was blown out of proportion? Let's discuss!
