It was never in question whether David Spade or Chris Farley’s family approved of this disturbing, Tommy Boy-based DirecTV ad, but just to put a fine point on things, Spade has come out to defend his choice in making the ill-advised tribute to his departed pal.

Speaking to Asylum, Spade says:

“When DIRECT TV came to me and the Farley family with this idea about ‘Tommy Boy,’ we talked and thought it would be a cool way to remind people just how funny Chris was. It is a clever homage to my friend and a movie that we loved doing, ” he says.

The article also quotes a DirecTV spokesman who said Farley’s family signed off on the commercial. There’s no better way to pay tribute to a departed loved one like exploiting his image and bastardizing one of his great moments to turn a cheap buck, right?

Chris Farley Direct TV Ad: Too Soon? David Spade Responds [Asylum]

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