Cosby thanks for Murphy for not making funny of him

Bill Cosby has thanked Eddie Murphy for not impersonating him on Sunday’s Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary special.

In a statement through his rep, Cosby said, "I am very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions."

Norm MacDonald, who co-wrote the Celebrity Jeopardy! sketch, explained in a series of tweets yesterday (Wednesday) that Eddie was approached to portray the accused rapist in the sketch, but he backed out at the last minute because he didn't want to "kick a man when he is down." The role instead went to Keenan Thompson.

Norm, who appeared in the sketch as Burt Reynolds, said Murphy "knew the laughs would bring the house down," but decided "the laughs are not worth it." (Gossip Cop)