In a moment that’s reigniting talk of last year’s Oscars slap, Eddie Murphy took a playful jab at Will Smith while accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes. Murphy ended his speech with a “blueprint for success,” which included, “pay your taxes, mind your business, and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your mouth.” This joke about the now-infamous incident, where Smith slapped Chris Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, had the audience roaring—though sources say Will Smith was less amused.
Murphy’s remarks come alongside Jim Carrey’s recent sharp criticism of Hollywood for its standing ovation of Smith post-slap, calling the reaction “spineless” and a troubling acceptance of violence in Hollywood. Carrey even stated he would’ve sued Smith for $200 million if he’d been in Rock’s shoes. Murphy and Carrey, both comedy legends, bring different tones to their commentary—Murphy with humor and Carrey with critique—yet both are stirring up a renewed wave of backlash against Smith.
With ongoing rumors and recent resurfaced stories linking Smith to other celebrity drama, this year may prove even tougher for the actor as Hollywood humor and critique keep him squarely in the spotlight.
