Saturday Night LivebossLorne Michaelsthinks everyone made too big a deal overShane Gillis' controversial past.
In aninterview withThe Hollywood Reporter, the producer-turned-mogul reflected on the backlash to the controversial comedian’s hiring.
Michaels also suggested that cancel culture became too granular by the time the Gillis controversy emerged.
Lorne Michaels and Shane Gillis.Cindy Ord/Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty
“It was like a mania.
Gillis was announced as a new featured player ahead ofSNL’s 45th season in 2019.
SNLthen fired Gillis from the cast as a result of the controversy.
Shane Gillis hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2024.Rosalind O’Connor/NBC
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.
Before he was fired, Gillis released a statement on social media.
Im a comedian who pushes boundaries, he wrote.
Im happy to apologize to anyone whos actually offended by anything Ive said.
After his firing was announced, the comedian released another statement.
“Im a comedian who was funny enough to getSNL,” he wrote.
“That cant be taken away.
I respect the decision they made.
Im honestly grateful for the opportunity.
I was always a [Mad TV] guy anyway.
Despite the controversy, Gillis hostedSNLin February, and addressed his firing in his opening monologue.
“I was fired from this show a while ago, he said.
“Don’t look that up, like.
c’mon don’t Google that.
Don’t even worry about it.
I probably shouldn’t be up here honestly.
I should be at home.
I should be a high school football coach.”
Netflix has also ordered a second standup special from the comedian.
SNLwill begin its 50th season on Sept. 28 with hostJean Smartand musical guestJelly Roll.
