Lorne Michaelsdidn’t want to fireShane GillisfromSaturday Night Live.
“That was very strong from the people in charge,” he said.
“And obviously I was not on that side, but I understood it.”
Lorne Michaels and Shane Gillis.Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Roy Rochlin/Getty
The comedian released a statement on social media after the footage generated significant controversy.
“Im a comedian who pushes boundaries,” he wrote.
“I sometimes miss.
Shane Gillis hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ in February 2024.Will Heath/NBC via Getty
Im happy to apologize to anyone whos actually offended by anything Ive said.
The controversy promptedSNLto dismiss Gillis from the castbefore he ever appeared in an episode.
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.
Gillis releasedanotherstatement following his firing.
“Im a comedian who was funny enough to getSNL,” he wrote on social media.
“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.”
Gillis also had a recurring role onPete Davidson’sBupkis, which Michaels executive produced in 2023.
“I was fired from this show a while ago, he said.
“Don’t look that up, just.
like 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.”
Michaelsdefended the decision to collaborate with Gillisin September.
It was like a mania.
