Shane Gillis Set to Host Saturday Night Live After Controversial Firing

Shane Gillis, who was previously fired from Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2019 due to controversy surrounding his past remarks, has been announced as the upcoming host of the show. Gillis will be joined by musical guest 21 Savage for the Feb. 24 episode of SNL, making it a notable move after his short-lived stint on the show.

In 2019, soon after Gillis was announced as a cast member of SNL, social media resurfaced videos featuring him making racist, homophobic, Islamophobic, and misogynistic jokes on his podcast and other platforms. These clips gained significant attention and led to his dismissal from the cast by NBC.

SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels expressed his regret over the incident, stating, ‘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.’

Gillis also issued a statement, acknowledging the decision and stating his gratitude for the opportunity. He mentioned that he was always more aligned with Mad TV, another sketch comedy show.

Despite the controversy surrounding his past remarks, Gillis has now been given the opportunity to host SNL. This move brings attention to the ongoing discussion about accountability, second chances, and the power dynamics within the entertainment industry.

Gillis’ resurfaced comments included the use of racial slurs, homophobic slurs, and offensive mimicry. His past actions have sparked conversations about the responsibility of comedians and the boundaries of humor.

It remains to be seen how Gillis’ hosting gig will be received by the audience and whether it will impact SNL’s reputation. However, this move highlights the complexities surrounding controversial figures in the entertainment world and the balancing act between holding individuals accountable and providing opportunities for growth and redemption.