Imagine a decades-long grudge sparked by a single punchline on live TV—now that's the stuff of Hollywood legend, isn't it? But here's where it gets controversial: when a joke crosses the line from harmless ribbing to something deeply personal and potentially hurtful. David Spade's story about turning Eddie Murphy from a beloved idol into an overnight adversary after a 'Saturday Night Live' gag will have you questioning just how fragile fame and friendships can be. Stick around, because this tale of tension, guilt, and ultimate reconciliation reveals layers most people never see, including a shocking accusation of racism that could divide opinions. And this is the part most people miss: how a simple apology—or lack thereof—can reshape careers and legacies.
It's been over three decades since Eddie Murphy and David Spade had their infamous fallout tied to the underwhelming box office performance of Murphy's 1995 film, 'Vampire in Brooklyn.' But time heals, right? Spade, reflecting on the drama, recently shared that he and the iconic comedian are now on solid ground after mending fences at last year's spectacular 'SNL50: The 50th Anniversary Special.' He admitted he'd managed to make the Oscar-nominated star 'hate me overnight' with a biting remark aimed at the movie's flop. To clarify for newcomers, 'Saturday Night Live'—or SNL—is America's premier late-night sketch comedy show, a breeding ground for stars where cast members like Spade deliver satirical takes on current events and celebrities through segments like 'Weekend Update,' a news parody spot that's been a staple since 1975.
On his podcast 'Fly on the Wall' with fellow SNL alum Dana Carvey, Spade opened up about the bizarre shift from fan to foe. 'It was surreal to go from worshipping someone as a hero to suddenly being their target,' he recounted, detailing how the friendship soured almost instantly. This happened early in his SNL tenure when, as a rookie on 'Weekend Update,' he poked fun at a slew of famous faces—including Murphy. The joke bombed spectacularly in terms of personal relations, leading to a heated phone call where Murphy confronted him. Spade confessed he didn't push back much, feeling a pang of remorse, even though he saw validity in Murphy's anger. 'He made a lot of sense,' Spade said, 'but admitting that was tough because, to me, he was untouchable—a true legend.'
Diving deeper into the incident for context, during the 'Spade in America' bit on SNL's December 9, 1995, episode, Spade targeted several celebrities of the era, zeroing in on Murphy and 'Vampire in Brooklyn.' He quipped, 'Look, children, it's a falling star. Make a wish. Yes, that's right. You make a Hollywood Minute omelet, you break some eggs,' a sharp jab at the film's failure that resonated with audiences but clearly stung Murphy personally. For those unfamiliar, 'Hollywood Minute' was a then-popular infomercial for a quick hair-styling product, implying Murphy's star was fading fast—ouch!
Spade mentioned crossing paths with Murphy 'a couple of times' since, with things smoothing out notably at SNL's 25th anniversary bash in February. Yet last year, Murphy revisited the sting, labeling the joke 'a cheap shot' and even calling it 'racist,' which added a layer of controversy that hit like a bombshell. He emphasized it felt 'personal,' but in the grand scheme, he brushed it off as water under the bridge. 'It's all good now,' Murphy said. 'I'm at peace with David Spade, Lorne Michaels, and the whole SNL crew. I returned to host and even snagged my first Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.' This reunion in 2019, after his groundbreaking 1980-1984 run as a cast member, symbolized a full-circle moment for Murphy, highlighting how SNL has remained a pivotal platform for comedians to evolve and reconnect.
But here's the twist that could spark endless debates: Was Spade's jab truly racist, as Murphy claimed, or just edgy comedy gone awry in the spirit of SNL's tradition? Critics might argue it played into stereotypes about Black performers' careers, while others see it as harmless satire in a show known for roasting everyone equally. And this is the part most people miss—the power dynamics at play: Spade, a white newcomer, targeting a Black icon like Murphy in an industry rife with racial undertones. It raises bigger questions about accountability in comedy and whether apologies are enough to erase hurt.
What do you think—does a joke deserve such lasting fallout, or should comedians have thicker skin? Was Murphy right to call it racist, or is that stretching it? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you've ever experienced a misunderstanding that blew up like this!
