Eddie Murphy Discusses Cancel Culture in Comedy

Iconic comedian Eddie Murphy recently shared his thoughts on the state of cancel culture, particularly among younger audiences. He offered these insights while promoting his upcoming Netflix documentary, “Being Eddie.”

Murphy remarked, “If you go to a club, comics are saying crazier things than ever. They say whatever they want to say.” He seemed to suggest that cancel culture’s impact isn’t as severe as some might think, noting that young people are pushing back against limitations on free speech.

“I can’t recall a single comedian’s joke that got canceled,” he stated. “The whole idea of cancellation seemed more like a moment when people thought, ‘Comedians have to be careful what they say.'” He added that many are now taking a stand against cancel culture, saying, “Forget cancel culture. Let’s leave things as they are.” Murphy expressed that, if given the chance, he would continue to express himself freely.

Having spent 50 years in the industry, he mentioned not worrying about being canceled at his age. “At 64, I just don’t think about it,” Murphy concluded.

In the same conversation, he revealed plans for a reboot of the 1963 classic film “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.” He shared how certain criticisms from the black community have stung over the years. He recalled, “I remember reading in Ebony magazine, they said, ‘Maybe one day a black person can play a professor and you don’t have to be crazy.’ I thought, ‘Is that really my review?'” Such remarks were disheartening for him.

“Being Eddie” is set to debut on November 12 and will feature interviews with several prominent figures, including Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, and Jerry Seinfeld.