Eddie Murphy’s ‘SNL’ Return Sparks Debate Over Kenan Thompson, Bill Cosby

The prodigal son returned to “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend — and by that we mean Eddie Murphy took his talents back to the late night comedy sketch show that helped launch his career over 30 years ago.

Murphy hadn’t returned to ‘SNL’ since he left in 1984 and this was only his second time hosting — he took over hosting duties in 1982 when he became the first person to ever host while being a cast member.

Saturday night’s episode was as iconic as Murphy himself. The opening monologue brought together comedic legends Tracy Morgan, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and current cast member Kenan Thompson. However, it was the addition of the latter, that caused some controversy … especially when people began tweeting a photo without him in it.

Eddie Murphy
Chris Rock
Dave Chappelle
Tracy Morgan

Wow.#SNL pic.twitter.com/SVKi4zD6SS

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 22, 2019

Folks took this as a slight against Thompson, although later this user in particular stated he posted his pic before Kenan came out. But regardless, folks began standing up for him, and his comedic genius, in droves…

You’ve been making me laugh for as long as I can remember – you are legendary pic.twitter.com/Sz8PnZPwJ4

— Spencer (@SpencerBlow) December 22, 2019

Y'all better stop hating on Keenan Thompson. Not only did he have a great 90s but he has lead and been phenomenal on SNL for YEEEEARS now. Put some respeck on his name. pic.twitter.com/yDN28xomen

— Khairy Jenkins (@Jenklens_) December 22, 2019

I see a ton of people posting this image minus Keenan. Put some respect on the God’s name. He is SNL if we keeping it a buck. pic.twitter.com/UVe1u030SR

— Xilla Valentine (@BlogXilla) December 22, 2019

And Kenan, was very appreciative of the love.

It’s so very nice to see the love that’s being shown here today!!! I really needed that!! Glad y’all see me!!! Last night was legendary and I’m glad y’all feel I deserved to be in it!!!

— Kenan Thompson (@kenanthompson) December 22, 2019

However, that wasn’t the only moment of controversy. Murphy also ruffled Bill Cosby’s feathers when he stated this during his monologue…

Eddie Murphy’s revenge 32 years after Cosby slammed him was brutal 😂😂😂

“If you had told me 30 years ago that I’d be this boring, stay-at-home house dad, and Bill Cosby would be in jail …even I would have took that bet. <Cosby voice> Who is America’s Dad now?!” #EddieOnSNL pic.twitter.com/vVf4LOrSvd

— Ken Barnes (@kenjbarnes1) December 23, 2019

Of course, criminal Cosby was mad and released this statement via his spokesman calling Murphy a “Hollywood slave”:

But, as Loni Love and others pointed out, Cosby started it first!

30 yrs ago Cosby ("America's Dad”) called Murphy and told him that his filthy comedy was a bad influence on family morality.
It's not a random dig. It's a callback. https://t.co/GcBWIuFbGJ

— Loni Love (@LoniLove) December 23, 2019

See Murphy’s full opening monologue below.