Shane Gillis Returns to ‘Saturday Night Live’ After Controversy
About the Controversy
More than four years after he was fired from “Saturday Night Live” for racist comments, comedian Shane Gillis made a surprising return to the show last Saturday. Gillis, who was hired as a cast member in 2019 but fired shortly after his hiring due to an offensive podcast clip featuring an anti-Asian slur, delivered a monologue during the show.
Gillis, aware of his turbulent history with the show, advised the audience not to search for information about his termination. He made it clear that he was trying to move past the incident, stating, “Don’t even worry about it. I probably shouldn’t be up here, honestly.”
Reflecting on Past Remarks
Despite the dramatic circumstances surrounding his exit from “SNL,” Gillis used his monologue to showcase his comedic skills. He discussed various topics, including family, and made quirky jokes people laughed at with mixed reactions. Gillis appeared to address the crowd’s response, admitting that he felt nervous and even expressed surprise at the audience’s lack of amusement with a joke about his father being a “volunteer assistant girl’s high school basketball coach.”
It’s worth noting that Gillis joined “SNL” the same year as Bowen Yang. Gillis’ return after being let go before his first appearance on the show was a memorable moment, as he embraced Yang on stage at the conclusion of the episode.
Exploring His Comedy skills
Aside from his monologue, Shane Gillis had the opportunity to flaunt his impression of former President Donald Trump in a sketch spoofing Trump-brand gold sneakers recently unveiled at a convention in Philadelphia. In the sketch, Gillis portrayed a character who, after wearing the sneakers, emulated Trump’s mannerisms and started believing he was a talented basketball player.
Gillis humorously shared, “The shoes gave me the power to say I’m good at basketball, and then double down on that until people actually start to believe it.”
A Remarkable Comeback
Shane Gillis’ return to “Saturday Night Live” following his dismissal for offensive remarks sparked significant conversations. While his presence on the show was met with mixed reactions, Gillis embraced the opportunity to showcase his comedic talent and express gratitude for being back on stage.
