Eddie Murphy refused to play Cosby in ‘SNL40’ skit

Eddie Murphy rejected an offer to play Bill Cosby on the 40th anniversary “Saturday Night Live” special, according to cast member and writer Norm Macdonald.

Murphy appeared on “SNL40” on Sunday, speaking just a few words out of character about what the NBC show meant to him. Macdonald said Murphy turned down a suggestion that he do an impression of comedian Bill Cosby, who has been accused of sexual assault by more than 20 women. Cosby has never been charged and through lawyers has denied the allegations.

“(Murphy) knew the laughs would bring the house down. Eddie Murphy knows what will work on SNL better than any one (sic),” Macdonald said via his Twitter account. “Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down.”

This story was originally published February 19, 2015 at 8:46 AM with the headline "Eddie Murphy refused to play Cosby in ‘SNL40’ skit."