Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy cracked a joke on Tuesday at the Golden Globe Awards about Will Smith’s slapping of Chris Rock while he shared his advice on how to succeed in Hollywood.
The 61-year-old took a jab at Smith during his acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award for a standout filmmaker and performer, Variety noted.
“I want to let you know that there is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity, and peace of mind,” Murphy explained.
“It’s a blueprint, and I’ve followed it my whole career,” he added. “It’s very simple, just do these three things: pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth!”
WATCH:
Eddie Murphy shares three pieces of advice for up-and-comers in the industry:
1) Pay your taxes.
2) Mind your business.
3) Keep Will Smith's wife's name out your f—ing mouth.https://t.co/YDe7QBg9R9 pic.twitter.com/1iH3iHGBiz— Variety (@Variety) January 11, 2023
The “Coming To America” star’s remarks drew huge laughs and cheers from the celebrities in the room.
After the show, Murphy told reporters that he has only love for Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who he noted he has worked with in the past.
WATCH:
Eddie Murphy clarifies that he has nothing but love for Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/jzAccwdBG4
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) January 11, 2023
“I love Will,” Murphy shared. “And I love Chris [Rock] and Will [Smith] and it’s all love.”
Smith made headlines after the 94th Academy Awards in March when he walked on stage and slapped Rock in the face after the comedian told a joke about Jada’s shaved head. Smith has since apologized several times.
In July, Smith released a video apologizing to Rock and said he had reached out to the comedian, and the message came back that he was not ready to speak to him yet.
After Smith slapped Rock, he was not removed from the event, and a short time later, he took the stage to accept his first Oscar ever — best actor for his role in the film “King Richard.”
Later, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a 10-year ban preventing Smith from attending the annual awards show.