Comedian Shane Gillis, who experienced a tumultuous journey with “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) almost five years ago, is making a return to the iconic show, this time as a host. Gillis faced controversy in 2019 when he was initially hired and subsequently fired from SNL before even appearing on the show due to a resurfaced video showcasing him using racial slurs for Chinese people, mimicking stereotypical accents, and expressing discriminatory views.
Despite the earlier setback, SNL announced that Shane Gillis is slated to host the show on Feb. 24, sparking a mix of reactions from the audience. Some expressed anticipation for his monologue, describing it as potentially epic, while others voiced concerns about overlooking his past remarks, deeming it despicable.
The announcement of Gillis’ hosting gig comes after his brief four-day tenure on SNL in 2019, during which he was dismissed following the revelation of his controversial remarks. At the time, SNL creator Lorne Michaels stated that the show was unaware of Gillis’ previous comments, emphasizing that the offensive language used was unacceptable and offensive.
The upcoming hosting opportunity for Gillis raises questions about whether his past controversies are no longer considered an issue. The lack of a response from SNL’s spokesperson request for comment adds to the intrigue surrounding this decision.
Shane Gillis faced additional criticism during the 2019 controversy when more clips surfaced, revealing him using a homophobic slur. SNL acknowledged the oversight in its vetting process and expressed regret for not discovering the offensive content earlier.
In response to the controversy, Gillis issued an apology, acknowledging that he is a comedian who pushes boundaries and sometimes misses the mark. He expressed regret for any offense caused by his remarks and clarified that his intent is not to hurt anyone. Gillis emphasized that his comedic journey involves taking risks and learning from any missteps.
Despite the challenges, Shane Gillis has continued to carve a niche for himself in the comedy world over the past few years. Notably, he self-released a stand-up special on YouTube in 2021, garnering over 23 million views and achieving viral success. Additionally, Gillis secured a well-received Netflix special titled “Beautiful Dogs,” which premiered in September.
Looking ahead, Shane Gillis revealed a partnership with Bud Light for an upcoming stand-up tour in 2024. The comedian shared the news on social media, highlighting his continued efforts to thrive in the world of comedy.
As Gillis prepares to take the stage as the host of SNL, the announcement has ignited discussions about forgiveness, second chances, and the evolving landscape of accountability in the entertainment industry. The controversial comedian’s journey, marked by setbacks and opportunities, raises broader questions about the intersection of comedy, responsibility, and the boundaries of acceptable content in the public eye. The reaction to his hosting role will undoubtedly shape conversations about the complexities of redemption and public perception in the realm of entertainment.