Eddie Murphy referred to Will Smith’s notorious slap at the 2022 Oscars while accepting a top prize at the Golden Globes.
The actor and comedian was presented with the coveted Cecil B DeMille award at the Golden Globes by fellow comedians Tracy Morgan and Jamie Lee Curtis on Tuesday.
Murphy is known for starring in well-known movies such as Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming To America, The Nutty Professor and the Shrek series.
He was nominated for a six-time Golden Globe and won the best supporting actor in a motion picture in 2007 for his performance in Dreamgirls.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I can literally get up here and keep thanking them until they play the piano,” Murphy said on receiving the award.
“But I’m going to wrap up and say something to all the new promising dreamers and artists in the hall tonight.
“I want to let you know that there is a definite plan you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity and peace of mind.
“There’s a plan and I’ve followed it my whole career, it’s simple.
“There are three things… just do these three things: Pay your taxes. Mind your business and keep the name of Will Smith’s wife out of your mouth!”
Last year, Smith stormed the scene and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her haircut—not realizing it was due to alopecia, a medical condition.
Oscar 2022: Will Smith’s Oscar Night – In Pictures
Returning to his seat after the argument, Smith said, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth!” she cried.
Smith later apologized to The Rock for the outburst, but was banned from all Academy events for the next 10 years.
The Cecil B DeMille award is given to a talented individual for outstanding contribution to the entertainment world.
Golden Globe Awards 2023
Past winners including Murphy, Jane Fonda, George Clooney, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, Audrey Hepburn, Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Sophia Loren, Steven Spielberg, Denzel Washington, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks and more joined people.