Lorne Michaels Was ‘Angry’ Over Shane Gillis’ ‘SNL’ Firing and Says NBC Made the Call; Refutes Claim ‘SNL’ Goes Softer on Democrats: ‘There’s Stupidity on Both Sides’

As a seasoned film enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but admire Lorne Michaels‘ resilience and unwavering commitment to artistic potential, even in the face of societal uproars and public backlash. His decision to extend an olive branch to Shane Gillis, five years after his controversial exit from “SNL,” is a testament to his belief in second chances and the power of redemption.

Lorne Michaels expressed his frustration upon Shane Gillis’ dismissal from “Saturday Night Live” in 2019, following the reemergence of offensive comments he made on a podcast, which included derogatory remarks about Asian individuals using racial slurs.

He made a foolish comment, yet it escalated into a catastrophic situation,” Michaels remarked. “I became furious. I pondered, ‘You don’t know what we’re capable of and what I aim to reveal in him, for I truly believed he had genuine potential.’

Michael stated that NBC made the choice to terminate Gillis, and he himself did not play a part in this decision. He further commented, “The action taken by those in authority was incredibly bold, and though I wasn’t aligned with their stance, I could appreciate it.

Despite not joining “SNL” as a regular cast member, Gillis came back to the show in February 2024 as a host during Season 49. This move was debated due to the comedian’s dismissal five years ago, but over the years, Lorne Michaels maintained contact with Gillis, who had only grown more popular.

Michael had expressed his views about Gillis’ dismissal in September, stating it was an unfortunate event, and he found the intensity of the reaction disconcerting. He claimed that Gillis was criticized for things from his past, and the response was startlingly excessive. The termination of Gillis by NBC was influenced, to some extent, by advertisers expressing their intention to withhold support for “SNL.” Michael further clarified that approximately 200 Asian companies were planning a boycott of the show.

Michaels commented that it felt like a frenzy back then. The speed at which people were being canceled – some truly undeserving of popularity – was not quite as extreme as the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, but it was similar to scrutinizing everyone based on their stance on every issue, rather than evaluating them solely on their skill in what they do.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Michael clarified that Saturday Night Live (SNL) doesn’t lean towards any particular political party. Although some viewers might perceive it as favoring the Democratic Party, especially during the 2020 presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Michael views SNL’s approach to political satire as impartial and bipartisan. As a registered independent voter himself, he upholds this belief.

“There’s stupidity on both sides. Our job is to make fun of it,” Michaels said.

Right now, Saturday Night Live (SNL) is broadcasting its 50th anniversary season. On November 2, a fresh episode featuring host John Mulaney and musical guest Chappell Roan will be live. For more insights from Michaels and the SNL cast, visit The Wall Street Journal’s website.

2024-10-24 20:46

Lorne Michaels Was ‘Angry’ Over Shane Gillis’ ‘SNL’ Firing and Says NBC Made the Call; Refutes Claim ‘SNL’ Goes Softer on Democrats: ‘There’s Stupidity on Both Sides’

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