Celebrities
Michael Che has weighed in on the backlash surrounding Shane Gillis‘ controversial Saturday Night Live monologue. The comedian addressed the criticism during an October 15 appearance on TODAY. However, Che suggested he had little interest in debating the joke’s reception.
Michael Che says “That’s comedy” when questioned about backlash to Shane Gillis’ SNL monologue
Gillis sparked controversy during his October 10 hosting appearance on SNL. His opening monologue included a joke criticizing women’s gym clothing. He claimed women dressed like “wh*res” because of their revealing workout shorts.
The remark prompted criticism from viewers and several celebrities. Comedians and actors, including Dan Levy and Elizabeth Banks, reportedly reacted to the controversy. Former SNL cast member Ego Nwodim also mocked Gillis’ comments.
During his TODAY interview, correspondent Laura Jarrett asked Che about the backlash. The Weekend Update co-anchor offered a brief response.
“That’s comedy,” he said, explaining, “It’s like, you think it’s funny and some people don’t.”
Jarrett then asked whether Che had laughed at Gillis’ joke. Che explained that he had been concentrating on his own responsibilities during the broadcast.
“I was at cue cards, actually, thinking about what I was going to say that was going to make people upset,” he revealed.
Che added that he did not watch Gillis’ monologue until the following day. When asked what he thought after seeing it, he admitted, “I didn’t think about it honestly.”
Che had already hinted at his frustration with the ongoing questions on Instagram. While promoting his new Netflix special, Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota, he anticipated repeated questions about Gillis.
“Wonder what every f—— questions gonna be about. thanks a lot shane,” he wrote.
Che also addressed criticism of controversial comedy through his joke-swap tradition with Colin Jost. Gillis’ monologue drew additional attention over its audience reaction and another awkward moment during the episode.
He later dropped an F-bomb during a Green Eggs and Ham sketch. Gillis apologized to the audience during his closing remarks, saying, “Sorry about earlier.”