Michael Che Is Awkwardly Grilled About Shane Gillis’ “SNL ”Monologue in Tense “Today” Interview

Michael Che, the host of ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) Weekend Update, found himself in a challenging situation during a recent appearance on the Today show. The interview, which aired on October 15, was primarily aimed at promoting his new stand-up special, “Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota.” However, the conversation quickly shifted to the recent controversy surrounding fellow comedian Shane Gillis and his comments during the SNL monologue.

Gillis, who delivered an opening speech that sparked widespread criticism, made derogatory remarks about women’s gym attire. He referred to the way women dress at the gym, stating that they resemble “whores.” This comment incited backlash from various quarters, with Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy labelling it as misogynistic. Moreover, former SNL cast member Ego Nwodim responded to Gillis’ remarks by posting a selfie from her workout, humorously captioned, “whore reporting for duty.”

During the interview, correspondent Laura Jarrett questioned Che about his thoughts on the controversy that had emerged. Che candidly admitted that he had not viewed Gillis’ monologue live, stating that he was primarily focused on cue cards and preparing for his own segment. “I was at cue cards, actually, thinking about what I was gonna say that was gonna make people upset. So I wasn’t really, I didn’t even see it ‘til the next day,” he explained.

Jarrett persisted in her questioning, pressing Che to share his reaction to Gillis’ remarks. After a moment of contemplation, Che responded, “I didn’t think about it honestly. I think it just didn’t— it just was like… you know.” This seemed to imply a certain level of detachment from the uproar, potentially highlighting the chaotic atmosphere of live television where myriad elements vie for attention.

When pressed about his role as a writer at SNL, Che acknowledged the complexities of keeping track of every aspect of the show, jokingly remarking, “There’s so much going on. It’s really hard to see what everyone’s doing, you know? Especially for me. I’m not what they call ‘good at my job,’ so I don’t pay attention to all that.” His humorous defence seemed to serve as a way to navigate the sensitive situation without directly taking a stance on Gillis’ controversial comments.

As the conversation progressed, Che returned to Gillis’ remarks, noting, “That’s why I can’t criticise anybody for swinging and missing, ‘cause I’ve definitely swung and missed too. I try to keep that heat off of me.” This self-reflective comment appeared to suggest a level of empathy towards his fellow comedian, acknowledging that missteps in comedy can occur.

The interview concluded with Che expressing enjoyment of the conversation, humorously lamenting that it had to end. Jarrett, in a light-hearted response, teased Che about having more questions on the Gillis topic, showing that the controversy had certainly made a significant impact.

The backlash against Gillis’ comments continued to resonate across social media and within the entertainment industry after the monologue aired on October 10. Critics voiced their discontent, emphasizing the need for more sensitivity in comedic discourse, especially concerning issues of gender and body image.

As the discussions surrounding Gillis’ remarks unfold, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine line comedians often walk in their pursuit of humour. The responses from other comedians and celebrities underscore the evolving dialogue around misogyny and societal norms, inviting reflection on what is deemed acceptable within comedic contexts.

In the aftermath of this controversy, it remains to be seen how Gillis and others in the comedy scene will adapt their material in light of the criticisms. Che’s relaxed approach to the situation reflects an understanding of the complexities within the comedic realm, as well as the challenges faced by artists navigating both the comedic stage and public opinion.