Bill Cosby has publicly thanked Eddie Murphy for declining to play the comedian — who has been accused of sexual assault by more than 20 women — in Saturday Night Live’s 40th anniversary special this weekend.
Cosby’s spokesperson said he was “very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions,” NBC reports.
Norm Macdonald tweeted that he had asked Murphy to play Cosby during a Celebrity Jeopardy sketch, but said Murphy refused:
Kenan Thompson played Cosby instead.
Read next: 5 Essential Moments from SNL‘s 40th Anniversary Special
Listen to the most important stories of the day.
See the Best Impressions on Saturday Night Live
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Cybersecurity Experts Are Sounding the Alarm on DOGE
- Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
- The Harsh Truth About Disability Inclusion
- Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
- Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
- How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
- Michelle Zauner Stares Down the Darkness
Contact us at letters@time.com