SNL’s Michael Che Addresses Shane Gillis’ Controversial Monologue

“There’s so much going on, it’s really hard to see what else is going on,” the comedian said. “Especially for me, I’m not what they call ‘good at my job’ so I don’t pay attention to a lot.”

As he put it, “That’s why I focus on Update because it’s not something I’m natural at so I gotta really, really work at it.”

While Che didn’t have a punchy headline to deliver concerning the situation as he does so easily on the Update desk, he previously admitted he knew the situation was going to prompt some burning questions. 

“Gotta do press this week to promote the special,” Che, whose comedy hour Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota released on Netflix Oct. 13, “Wonder what every f–king question is going to be about. Thanks a lot Shane.”

Meanwhile, some SNL stars who have already exited Studio 8H for good did not hold back when it came to showing how they really felt about Gillis’ joke. 

Ego Nwodim, who left the sketch show last year after seven seasons, shared a selfie at the gym the day after Gillis’ monologue aired, quipping, “Wh–e reporting for duty.”

And Cecily Strong—who previously hosted Update during her 11-season tenure on SNL before exiting in 2022—similarly shared a photo of herself wearing gym clothes to clap back at Gillis. 

“On my way to Pilates in my new sl–ty ass orange shoes and rainbow socks,” Strong wrote in an Instagram Story Oct. 13. “Might sell sex on the way, not sure.”

Gillis, meanwhile, has opted to plead the fifth when it comes to the backlash his monologue joke received. The 38-year-old did, however, apology for using an expletive during a sketch also during his Oct. 10 hosting gig. (The Federal Communications Commission can fine up to $325,000 for an expletive used on broadcast television.)

“Sorry about earlier,” Gillis said while closing out the show alongside musical guest Rosalía. “Thank you very much. I had a good time.”

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