Why Eddie Murphy joked about Will Smith at the Golden Globes
That joke slapped him.
Comedian Eddie Murphy revealed why he couldn’t stop poking fun at Will Smith’s infamous Oscar slap at Tuesday night’s Golden Globes.
The 61-year-old comedian joked about the slap as he accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Honorary Award for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” In his speech, he offered advice to those aspiring to enter the industry and achieve “success, prosperity, longevity and peace of mind.”
“There are three things: pay your taxes, mind your own business, and keep the name of Will Smith’s wife out, you king’s mouth!” Murphy said during his acceptance speech.
Murphy later told Entertainment Tonight in a backstage interview why he dropped the Emancipation actor’s name.
“I worked with Jada,” Murphy explained. “I love Will. I love Will and I love Chris – and that’s all love.”
The “Nutty Professor” actor also thanked his family, various producers and agents and reflected on his fantastic career.
The 61-year-old comedian joked about the slap as he accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Images “There are three things: pay your taxes, mind your own business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your mouth,” Murphy said during his acceptance speech. Smith is pictured. Jason Merritt/Getty Images “I worked with Jada,” Murphy explained. “I love Will. I love Will and I love Chris – and that’s all love.” Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Moët and Chandon
“I’ve been in show business for 46 years and in film business for 41 years, so this has been a long time in the making,” Murphy said.
“I want to let you know that there is a definitive plan you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity and peace of mind. It’s very easy.”
🎉 Biggest round of applause for Eddie Murphy, this year’s Cecil B. DeMille Award winner! Your decades of unbeatable comedy and incredible performances deserve to be recognized and celebrated! 🎉 #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/IWiU6LEmmf
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 11, 2023
Murphy also spoke about how honored he was to be selected for this award.
“It is a prestigious award. And like I said, when you get things like that when you’re older,” Murphy mused. “You really appreciate it more. Now you do.”
