Shane Gillis mentions past firing in controversial ‘SNL’ monologue
By Ryan General
February 26, 2024
Comedian Shane Gillis made his controversial return to “Saturday Night Live” five years after being fired from the show over racial and homophobic slurs.
Fired before his debut: Gillis was set to join the show as a cast member in 2019 but was dismissed just days before his debut episode after videos of his 2018 appearance on the “Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast” resurfaced. In the clip, he used an anti-Asian slur — “f*cking ch*nks” — and made derogatory remarks about Asian people. “SNL” executive producer Lorne Michaels deemed the incident “offensive, hurtful and unacceptable.”
Gillis’ monologue: Gillis acknowledged his “SNL” dismissal at the outset of his nearly eight-minute opening monologue, urging viewers not to research the details behind his firing.
“Most of you probably have no idea who I am. I was actually — I was fired from this show a while ago. But, you know, don’t look that up, please. If you don’t know who I am, please don’t Google that. It’s fine. Don’t even worry about it,” he said.
He then proceeded to joke about his family, including his sister marrying an Arab man and adopting three Black children. Gillis also referenced his niece’s Down syndrome and a coffee shop his family purportedly opened for individuals with the condition. He joked that the business was “not as successful as expected.”
Online reactions: Gillis’ monologue generally elicited a muted response from the live audience, particularly during his jokes regarding Down syndrome. Online, netizens were divided, with some labeling the monologue as cringe-worthy while others praised it for being “anti-woke.”
“Rather painful to watch,” wrote a commenter.
“Never seen it worse than this,” another chimed in.
“He’s not the slightest bit funny.” commented a user.
“It’s so refreshing to hear somebody actually funny and genuine versus some weird woke anti half of America,” wrote another.
“Libs are aghast that SNL would have the audacity to have a comedian host the show!” added a commenter.
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