David Spade has publicly reflected on the longstanding Eddie Murphy SNL feud, detailing how a satirical remark during a “Weekend Update” segment escalated into decades of tension between the two comedians. Spade, a classic Saturday Night Live star, now recounts what led to the rift, its impact on both stars, and how they reconciled after many years.
How Spade and Murphy’s Rift Began on Saturday Night Live
The infamous Eddie Murphy SNL feud began after David Spade, newly appointed as anchor on Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update,” took a jab at Murphy’s latest film at the time, Vampire in Brooklyn. The 1995 horror comedy, directed by Wes Craven and starring Murphy, had received poor reviews and was not successful at the box office. This comment aired during Spade’s segment, leading to a strong reaction from Murphy and a notable fallout.
Spade shared the emotional toll this feud took on him over the years, speaking with SNL legend Dana Carvey on their podcast. He described going from being an enthusiastic fan of Murphy to feeling the weight of public animosity almost overnight, stating,
“It was weird going from being a super fan to having him hate me overnight, and to try to win him back for the last 25 years.
“We had some bumps in the road along the way, early on. I was on Weekend Update, on SNL, new to the show, making fun of all the celebrities and I made fun of him, and it didn’t go well. And he called me, and we had it out.”
– David Spade, Comedian
According to Spade, after the episode aired, Murphy was deeply offended and reached out directly. The resulting conversation was tense, but years later, the two saw each other at public events, including the SNL 50th anniversary special, indicating a truce. Spade remarked,
“I’ve seen him once or twice. And then I saw him at the 50th, and we talked a little bit and everything’s fine. And then they asked him about it, and he said, ‘Yeah, we’re all good.’ So yeah, we’re all good.”
– David Spade, Comedian
Eddie Murphy’s View on the Controversy and Its Aftermath
Murphy addressed his longstanding grievances in the Netflix documentary Being Eddie, explaining that the remark made on national television deeply hurt him. Rather than targeting Spade as an individual, Murphy felt betrayed by the SNL production team, believing the joke reflected a lack of respect for his legacy. He explained that the negative crowd reaction and the network approval process for the joke exacerbated his disappointment. Murphy gave his perspective, stating,
“I just had Vampire in Brooklyn come out. The audience there said ‘Boo’ and hissed at him for saying it, right? So I was like, hurt. My feelings was hurt. The joke had went through all of those channels that the joke has to go through, and then he was on the air saying, ‘Catch a falling star.’
“So I wasn’t like, ‘F*** David Spade.’ I was like, ‘Oh, f*** SNL. F*** y’all. How y’all going to do this s***? That’s what y’all think of me? Oh, you dirty motherf***ers.’ I was like that. And that’s why I didn’t go back for years.”
– Eddie Murphy, Comedian
The incident led Murphy to distance himself from SNL for years. His absence from Studio 8H became symbolic, highlighting how personal and institutional decisions can affect relationships among cast members and contributors to the show.
Years of Separation Followed by Resolution
For a considerable time, the Eddie Murphy SNL feud was a notable episode in Saturday Night Live history. Murphy’s decision to keep his distance underscored the seriousness of his feelings. Spade, for his part, shared that he made several attempts over the subsequent decades to mend fences, motivated by a desire to restore the camaraderie he once felt as a fan and colleague.
The animosity slowly subsided as both comedians moved forward in their careers. Their interactions at industry events, such as the SNL 50th anniversary, ultimately led to a reconciliation. Both parties have publicly confirmed that there is no remaining animosity, closing a chapter marked by distress and frustration for both.
The Broader Impact on Saturday Night Live and Its Alumni
The incident between Spade and Murphy resonated throughout the SNL community, impacting how cast members perceived humor targeting their peers. Dana Carvey, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, Andrew Dismukes, and others from Saturday Night Live have seen how backstage relationships shape the lived experience of working in comedy. The episode serves as a reminder of the personal impact that on-air commentary can have, especially for major figures like Eddie Murphy, who was instrumental in SNL’s legacy and had longstanding ties to the show.
Today, both Spade and Murphy remain significant figures in the entertainment industry, demonstrating that public disputes can ultimately be resolved, even after many years. For SNL, the episode stands as a cautionary tale about balancing comedy with respect, especially among its alumni.
