Michael Che Defends Shane Gillis Over SNL Monologue
Saturday Night Live cast member Michael Che addressed the backlash surrounding Shane Gillis’s recent monologue on the show, defending the comedian with the assessment, “That’s comedy!”
Michael Che Defends Shane Gillis After SNL Monologue Backlash
The controversy stems from the Monday following Gillis’s appearance on the Studio 8H stage, where he joked about women at his gym dressing like wh*res. Che responded at the time with an Instagram post reading, “gotta do more press this week to promote the special. wonder what every f*ing questions gonna be about… thanks a lot shane.” The two comedians share a working relationship, with Che having opened for Gillis during a performance at Madison Square Garden earlier in the year.
During an appearance on Today, anchor Laura Jarrett questioned Che about the monologue and his social media reaction. Che maintained a neutral stance during the interview. “That’s comedy,” Che said regarding the public pushback. “It’s like, you think it’s funny and then some people don’t.” When asked if he found the routine amusing, Che stated he was working on cue cards during the broadcast and did not see the segment until the following day.
The Promotional Tour for Shot in Minnesota
The media engagements coincide with the release of Che’s new stand-up special, Shot in Minnesota, which was filmed at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The 13-year SNL veteran opens the hour with six minutes of material addressing the death of Charlie Kirk. The set touches on political violence, sexuality, God, and Lorne Michaels.
Che anticipated that press interviews for the special would steer toward the Gillis controversy rather than his own material. “Being a SNL star and Gillis collaborator with a new project out during this ongoing outrage is like being in a shark cage with a papercut and no wetsuit,” the reporting notes. Segments of Shot in Minnesota test boundaries further, including material regarding relationships and sex that goes beyond network television standards.
Audience reactions on social media reflected ongoing division over the remarks, with commenters questioning Che’s public balancing act between his SNL duties, his friendship with Gillis, and his promotional obligations.
SNL's Michael Che Addresses Shane Gillis' Controversial Monologue https://t.co/0niCpsB6Ig
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