Eddie Murphy Regrets "Ignorant" Jokes About AIDS In 1980s Stand-up Routines

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Eddie Murphy, Paige Butler

The comedian chatted about what fans can expect from his return to the stage.

In 2020, the world will see Eddie Murphy return to the comedic stage as he embarks on a stand-up tour. The 58-year-old comedy icon may have a vault of unreleased songs that he's holding close to the chest, but he's ready to get back on stage, telling The New York Times that he regrets giving up his passion.

Murphy only has two stand-up specials to date, Delirious and Raw, both of which aired back in the 1980s. His controversial jokes found the comedian in the crosshairs of criticism, so when he reads about the comics who currently are the targets of Cancel Culture he said, "I went through all that stuff, so this is not scary." He did offer up an apology for his past jokes that he called "ignorant," specifically his quips regarding the AIDS epidemic when he talked about being afraid of catching the disease by kissing gay men.  

Fans will have to wait to see how controversial Murphy will be when he returns to the stage, but the public should expect for him give funny anecdotes about being a father of 10 children. "I now have a whole lifetime of experiences to draw upon," Murphy said. "There was a time when I was at the center of everything, what I was doing, and how funny I was and how popular. I’m not at the center. Now my kids are and everything revolves around them." He also added that he's not continuing on with his leather suit tradition. “Nah, man, you can’t wear a leather suit at 58,” he said.


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.