Eddie Murphy Revisits David Spade’s Infamous Diss That Sparked ‘SNL’ Feud in ‘Being Eddie’: “F–k Y’all, That’s What Y’all Think of Me?”

The David Spade Diss That Ignited a Legendary ‘SNL’ Feud

Eddie Murphy’s career is marked by iconic performances and unforgettable comedy, but even legends face moments of vulnerability. In the 2025 Netflix documentary Being Eddie, Murphy revisits one such moment: the infamous diss by David Spade on Saturday Night Live (SNL) that sparked a feud lasting over 30 years.

For fans of SNL, the incident is well-known. In 1995, David Spade, famous for his sharp-tongued “Hollywood Minute” segment, took a jab at Murphy’s career following the commercial and critical failure of Murphy’s 1995 horror-comedy Vampires in Brooklyn. Spade quipped, “Look children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish,” a line that instantly shocked the live audience.

Murphy, who had left SNL a decade earlier after skyrocketing to fame, was deeply hurt by the joke. In Being Eddie, he reflects on the moment, saying, “The audience booed and hissed him for saying it, right? I was hurt, my feelings were hurt.” The sting came not just from the insult but from the fact that it came from his former comedic home.

Why the Joke Cut Deep

Murphy explained that the joke felt like a betrayal from his alma mater. “It’s like your alma mater taking a shot at you—at my career, not how funny I was. Called me a ‘falling star,’” he said. He pointed out that if a similar joke were made about a current SNL cast member today, it likely wouldn’t make it to air due to stricter content oversight.

“The joke 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,’” Murphy said. His reaction wasn’t personal animosity toward Spade but frustration with the show itself. “I wasn’t like, ‘F*** David Spade.’ I was like, ‘Oh, f*** SNL. F*** y’all, how y’all gonna do this? That’s what y’all think of me? You dirty motherf***ers.’ That’s why I didn’t go back for years.”

Reconciliation and Moving Forward

Despite Murphy’s claims that he wasn’t mad at Spade personally, Spade’s 2015 memoir revealed a different side of the story. According to Spade, Murphy called him two days after the joke aired and expressed his anger in no uncertain terms. Spade recalled Murphy saying, “David Spade, who the f*** do you think you are? Honestly? Who. The. F***. Going after ME?? You dumb motherf***er! I’m off-limits, don’t you know that? You wouldn’t have a job if it weren’t for me.”

Mutual friends informed Spade that Murphy harbored resentment for years. However, over time, Spade came to understand Murphy’s perspective. The two comedians eventually crossed paths in 2011 and reconciled, putting the feud behind them.

Murphy’s return to SNL as a host in 2019 marked a significant step in mending his relationship with the show. In the documentary, he explained his decision: “I was like, ‘You know what? F*** this. SNL is part of my history. I need to reconnect with that show, because that’s where I come from.’ That little friction that I had with SNL was 35 years ago. I don’t have no smoke with no David Spade. I don’t have any heat, or any of that, with nobody. I was like, ‘Hey let me go to and smooth that all out.’ And I did.”

What This Feud Teaches About Comedy and Forgiveness

The story behind the David Spade diss and Eddie Murphy’s reaction highlights the complex dynamics of comedy, especially within the close-knit world of SNL. It shows how humor can sometimes cut deeper than intended and how professional rivalries can evolve over time.

More importantly, Murphy’s journey from hurt to forgiveness serves as a reminder that even long-standing grudges can be healed. His willingness to revisit the past and reconcile demonstrates growth and the power of moving forward.

Conclusion

The Netflix documentary Being Eddie offers a candid look at Eddie Murphy’s life and career, including the infamous David Spade diss that once threatened to overshadow his legacy. By revisiting this feud, Murphy not only shares his pain but also his path to forgiveness and reconciliation with SNL and Spade. This story is a testament to the resilience of one of comedy’s greatest stars and the enduring bonds within the entertainment world.

If you’re a fan of Eddie Murphy or interested in the behind-the-scenes drama of SNL, Being Eddie is a must-watch. Don’t miss the chance to stream it on Netflix and witness this remarkable journey for yourself.