Eddie Murphy was originally supposed to play Bill Cosby in SNL 40’s “Celebrity Jeopardy” sketch, according to Norm Macdonald, who played Burt Reynolds in the sketch.

Norm Macdonald: Eddie Murphy Was Almost Bill Cosby On SNL 40

Macdonald took to Twitter on Wednesday to give fans some behind-the-scenes scoop on how Saturday Night Live’s 40th anniversary show came together, and revealed that he and co-writer Steve Higgins had originally envisioned Murphy playing the part of Cosby. Current SNL cast member Kenan Thompson ended up portraying the comedian in the sketch, appearing at the very end as Cosby describing his favorite alcoholic beverage.

On his Twitter page, Macdonald wrote that Higgins originally came up with the idea of a Video Daily Double that would make fun of the allegations against Cosby that he drugged and raped women – around 30 women so far have come forward in the past few months accusing Cosby of sexual assault. Murphy, who returned to the show for the first time on SNL 40, is known for his impersonation of Cosby. In fact, during his time on SNL, he portrayed Cosby multiple times (one sketch, strangely enough, featured Murphy as Cosby giving alcohol to children.)

The iconic doors would open and on to home base would step Eddie Murphy. The audience would know what to do.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

Why is Eddie wearing a multi-colored sweater?He steps behind the bar, begins mixing a drink. The audience covers the fact he has not spoken.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

When he speaks, he is Cosby. Eddie Murphy doing a perfect Cosby impression. The audience does not let him finish. The sketch ends.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

Macdonald: “[Murphy] will not kick a man when he is down”

Unfortunately, Macdonald said, Murphy decided last minute that he didn’t want to participate in the sketch. “He knew the laughs would bring the house down…Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down,” Macdonald wrote.

He knew the laughs would bring the house down. Eddie Murphy knows what will work on SNL better than any one.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

Macdonald expressed his deep respect for Murphy’s decision, saying that Murphy could have been the hero of the night had he done Cosby, but instead chose not to. “Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs,” Macdonald wrote.

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

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

Eddie Murphy is the coolest, a rockstar even in a room with actual rockstars.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

Judd Apatow, Piers Morgan Weigh In

Piers Morgan tweeted about Macdonald’s behind-the-scenes anecdote, calling Murphy’s decision to refrain from the bit “admirable,” but not everyone was as impressed with Murphy’s decision. Judd Apatow, who frequently speaks out against Cosby, was quick to call out Morgan and Macdonald for their praise of Murphy, writing that by refusing to participate because of Cosby’s current circumstances was “choosing to support a rich rapist over thirty victims.”

.@piersmorgan @normmacdonald what?! He is a rapist. That is not loyalty. It is choosing to support a rich rapist over thirty victims.

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 19, 2015

Cosby Thanks Murphy

Meanwhile, Cosby released a comment on the story, thanking Murphy for choosing not to participate in the sketch. “I am very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions,” a spokesperson for Cosby said.

Murphy himself has not commented on Macdonald’s claim, nor has anyone else involved in the production of “Celebrity Jeopardy.” Meanwhile, Cosby is continuing to perform on his comedy tour despite protests.