In a stunning revelation, comedian and actor David Spade has disclosed that his fellow comedy legend, Eddie Murphy, harbored intense resentment towards him for many years. The source of this long-standing Hollywood feud was a seemingly innocuous joke Spade made on the iconic show Saturday Night Live back in 1995.
The Infamous Joke That Sparked a Feud
During a segment of SNL's "Hollywood Minute" in 1995, David Spade, then a cast member, commented on a photo of Eddie Murphy. Murphy, who had been a major star on the show in the early 80s, had recently experienced a box office disappointment with his film Vampire in Brooklyn. Spade's quip was pointed: "Look children, a falling star," he said while pointing at Murphy's picture.
At the time, Spade believed the joke was within the bounds of the show's famously sharp satire. However, he failed to grasp how deeply it would wound Murphy. In a recent interview, Spade explained that he viewed Murphy as an untouchable mega-star and thought the joke was a playful nod. He did not anticipate the personal offense Murphy would take.
Years of Silent Resentment and a Cold Shoulder
The fallout was immediate and severe from Murphy's perspective. Eddie Murphy felt betrayed by the joke, especially coming from a show that he helped make famous. According to Spade, Murphy perceived the comment as a harsh and public kick from the very institution he built up.
For years afterward, the two comedians moved in the same circles but were separated by an icy silence. Spade recounted instances where Murphy would pointedly ignore him at events. The resentment was palpable and lasted for a significant period, creating an awkward divide between two giants of American comedy.
The Eventual Thaw and Reconciliation
Time, it seems, eventually healed this particular Hollywood wound. David Spade revealed that the tension between them finally dissipated years later. The reconciliation was not a dramatic, filmed moment but a gradual softening.
Spade credits Murphy's maturity and the passing of time for mending their relationship. He expressed relief and happiness that they are now on good terms, putting the decades-long awkwardness behind them. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of public humor, even among peers.
The incident highlights the delicate balance in comedy between satire and personal respect. While Saturday Night Live is built on poking fun at celebrities, Spade's experience with Murphy shows that some jokes can cut deeper than intended, damaging real-world relationships for years to come.
