Bill Cosby thanks Eddie Murphy for refusing to play him in 'SNL 40th Anniversary' skit

Bill Cosby has responded to the revelation that Eddie Murphy refused to play him on the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary special, leaving Kenan Thompson to do it instead.

In a statement, Cosby said through his rep that he’s thankful Murphy turned it down.

"I am very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions," his rep told NBC News.

As we previously reported, over a 3-hour period on Wednesday night, Norm Macdonald spilled various behind-the-scenes secrets from the big event, which included his efforts to get Murphy to portray Cosby to no avail.

Cosby has been accused of sexual misconduct, rape and drugging over 20 women. This provided plenty of material for Murphy to make his big SNL comeback but he wouldn’t do it.

“Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs," Macdonald wrote.

Murphy appeared on SNL from 1981-1985 and his brief appearance last weekend left many disappointed.

image courtesy of INFphoto.com

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