Eddie Murphy reflects on past struggles with racism and his feud with David Spade

In an interview with The New York Times, legendary comedian Eddie Murphy discussed the hardships he faced during his ascent to stardom, particularly focusing on what he perceived as unfair treatment from the press and his peers. 

Murphy, who rose to fame in the 1980s, a time he described as having "no Black Hollywood," recalled enduring racially charged criticism that often stung.

The actor highlighted a particularly painful moment from his past involving fellow "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) alum David Spade. 

According to Murphy, Spade's jab during a 1995 "Hollywood Minute" sketch, where he quipped "Look, children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish," in reference to Murphy's then-recent film flop, felt like a betrayal. 

"It was like: ‘Yo, it’s in-house! I’m one of the family, and you’re f---ing with me like that?’ It hurt my feelings like that," Murphy explained.

Murphy, who was a key player on SNL from 1980 to 1984, expressed his disbelief that the production team allowed the remark, considering his significant contributions to the show. 

"I’m the biggest thing that ever came off that show. The show would’ve been off the air if I didn’t go back on the show, and now you have somebody from the cast making a crack about my career?" he stated.

Reflecting on the incident, Murphy believed the joke was not only a cheap shot but also had racial undertones, which compounded his dismay. 

The actor felt that the dig was a personal attack masked as humor, which he found difficult to accept.

David Spade later acknowledged in his 2015 memoir, “Almost Interesting”, that he could understand Murphy's perspective, admitting that public criticisms can sting and sometimes turn fans against a celebrity. 

Spade noted, "A jab like the one I had directed at Eddie can be the thing that starts to turn public opinion against someone."

Despite the initial fallout, Murphy confirmed that he and Spade have since reconciled. 

"In the long run it’s all good, worked out great. I’m cool with David Spade, I’m cool with Lorne Michaels. I went back to SNL," Murphy shared during the interview. 

He participated in the show's 40th-anniversary special in 2015, marking his return to the SNL stage after decades.