Shane Gillis finally returned to host the Saturday Night Live after he was fired from the show in 2019. The comedian infamously made racist, misogynistic, and homophobic comments that caused his immediate termination.
In his comeback, he addressed the controversy in his opening monologue, telling people not to search it on Google. Gillis was dismissed days after the announcement of his joining the SNL cast.
Shane Gillis Delivers Awkward Monologue At SNL
Shane Gillis acknowledged during his appearance on the February 24 episode of Saturday Night Live the issue that got him kicked out back in 2019:
“I’m here. 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.”
As expected by many fans, he delivered numerous cringe-worthy lines that not only missed their marks but also were considered offensive. He made a joke about being his mother’s “gay best friend” when he was a child until he discovered m—bation. He also mentioned that some of his family members suffer from Down syndrome.
The most deafening silent reaction from fans was probably when he used the word “retarded” in a joke. SNL producer Lorne Michaels once revealed in a statement following Gillis’ dismissal via USA Today:
“After talking with Shane Gillis, we have decided that he will not be joining 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.”
The actor apologized in a now-deleted tweet post and claimed he never intended to harm or offend anyone:
“I’m a comedian who pushes boundaries. I sometimes miss. If you go through my 10 years of comedy, most of it bad, you’re going to find a lot of bad misses. I’m happy to apologize to anyone who’s actually offended by anything I’ve said. My intention is never to hurt anyone but I am trying to be the best comedian I can be and sometimes that requires risks.”
The comedian still got the flak after fans and fellow comedians felt his apology was insincere. Interestingly, the SNL viewers today have a different opinion on Gillis’ latest monologue.
Fans Cheered For Shane Gillis Amid Failed Jokes About Gays And Down Syndrome
Amid the criticism that Shane Gillis received in his recent appearance at SNL, many fans showed support for the comedian’s return as well as his speech. Despite his Down syndrome and gay jokes, people loved his performance. Check out their comments below:
Watching for the first time in years just for Shane. He’s carrying the show single handedly while having to tone it down for TV. Everyone hating and offended by the mildest of jokes was predictable 😂
— Miguel Wise (@absurdhero23) February 25, 2024
That was the best monologue on SNL in over 20 years. It’s not even a debate.
— DAUER America (@DauerNews) February 25, 2024
That was a very funny and endearing monologue. Good stuff.
— Don Incognito (@MassActivation) February 25, 2024
I thought he’d gone it down for SNL but I’m glad he didn’t. This is the first time I laughed watching a monologue on SNL in years. 😂
— 〽️ARS (@UpperhandMars) February 25, 2024
It sucks that he seemed so nervous. He’s too good for that show. They never deserved him.
— DJ (@DarwinJATL) February 25, 2024
“omg why is he joking about down syndrome” “omg why is saying the r word” maybe if you actually listen to the whole monologue where he was actually saying positive stuff about people with down syndrome and humanizing them
— Healer 😼 (@HeaIerr) February 25, 2024
As to why SNL took the comedian back after firing him for scandalous remarks only to make inappropriate jokes again live on television, it remains a puzzle to the rest of the fans.
