Eddie Griffin Criticized for “Tasteless” Malcolm-Jamal Warner Jokes: “I Don’t Believe He Drowned…Cosby Did Something Dirty”

Eddie Griffin may have been among the celebrities making headlines for their heartfelt tributes shortly after the announcement of Malcolm-Jamal Warner‘s death last month, but – like Tracee Ellis Ross – he’s now in hot water for his latest comments about the late actor.

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Griffin may have built his career garnering laughs for jaw-dropping and controversial remarks during his comedy standup routines over the last 30 years, but some critics think he went too far during a recent gig while weighing in on the circumstances around his ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ co-star’s passing.

While official reports have indicated Warner’s cause of death was an “accidental drowning,” Eddie made clear he doesn’t believe that.

“Both of his sons are dead…[Bill] Cosby did something dirty,” Griffin said while performing. “His real son dead and his TV son dead – there’s a connection there.”

Cosby’s biological son, Ennis, was murdered in 1997 at age 27 during a failed robbery attempt.

Turning his focus back to Malcolm-Jamal, Eddie asserted his belief about a conspiracy tied to the ‘Cosby Show’ star’s death.

“I don’t believe that man drowned,” he said – evoking awkward clapping and laughter from the audience. “It’s too suspicious; they had too many different stories.”

Griffin questioned everything from the location of the wife to reports a doctor “just so happened” to be on the beach at the time of Warner’s passing.

His commentary certainly hit a sour note with some viewers who felt the off-color statements came “too soon” or were done in poor taste.

See highlights of their responses below.

At writing, Griffin has not responded to the detraction.