SNL Sets Shane Gillis as Host After Firing Him for Racist Jokes in 2019, 21 Savage Will Be Musical Guest

SNL Books Shane Gillis as Host After 2019 Firing, Sparks Controversy

‘SNL’ Sets Shane Gillis as Host After Firing Him for Racist Jokes in 2019; 21 Savage Will Be Musical Guest ,One week later, NBC cut him from the cast. “After talking with Shane Gillis, we have decided that he will not be joining ‘SNL,’” a spokesperson said at the time on behalf of executive producer Lorne Michaels. “We want ‘SNL’ to have a variety of voices and points of view within the show, and we hired Shane on the strength of his talent as comedian and his impressive audition for ‘SNL.’ We were not aware of his prior remarks that have surfaced over the past few days. The language he used is offensive, hurtful and unacceptable. We are sorry that we did not see these clips earlier, and that our vetting process was not up to our standard.”

Gillis also released a statement, saying, “It feels ridiculous for comedians to be making serious public statements but here we are. I’m a comedian who was funny enough to get ‘SNL.’ That can’t be taken away. Of course I wanted an opportunity to prove myself at ‘SNL,’ but I understand it would be too much of a distraction. I respect the decision they made. I’m honestly grateful for the opportunity. I was always a mad tv [sic] guy anyway.”

What Happened:

• On February 3rd, 2024, Saturday Night Live (SNL) announced comedian Shane Gillis as their host for the February 24th episode. 21 Savage will be the musical guest.
• This news comes as a surprise, considering Gillis was fired from SNL in 2019 before ever appearing on the show due to resurfaced videos containing racist, homophobic, and sexist jokes.

Backstory:

• In September 2019, videos surfaced of Gillis using racial slurs and making offensive jokes on a podcast.
• SNL initially hired Gillis, but after public backlash and criticism from cast members, they quickly rescinded the offer, stating, “The language he used is offensive, hurtful, and unacceptable.”
• Gillis apologized for the jokes but emphasized they were made in a “comedy context.”

Current Reactions:

• The announcement of Gillis’ hosting gig has drawn mixed reactions.
• Some express confusion and disappointment, questioning SNL’s decision to give a platform to someone with a history of offensive humor.
• Others believe Gillis has learned from his mistakes and deserves a chance to redeem himself.
• SNL hasn’t released an official statement explaining their decision.

Potential Impact:

• This booking could damage SNL’s reputation for inclusivity and diversity.
• It might alienate viewers and cast members who spoke out against Gillis in 2019.
• On the other hand, it might attract viewers curious about Gillis and his performance.

What’s Next:

• The February 24th episode will be closely watched to see how Gillis addresses the controversy and if the audience accepts him as host.
• The long-term consequences of this decision for SNL and Gillis’ career remain to be seen.

Additional Notes:

• This is a sensitive topic with diverse opinions. It’s important to approach the news with respect and understanding.
• There are various sources offering further information and perspectives on this development. You can search online using keywords like “SNL Shane Gillis” or “SNL controversy.“