Why was Shane Gillis fired from SNL?

COMEDIAN Shane Gillis was fired just a few days after joining the cast of SNL back in 2019 when some of his past controversial comments resurfaced.

Longtime viewers and comedy fans were shocked when SNL revealed that he would be hosting the show on February 24, 2024.

Why was Shane Gillis fired from SNL?

Shane Gillis was fired from SNL in 2019 just a few days after he was hired.

The comedian got in hot water after using racial and homophobic slurs in an episode from Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast in 2018.

The podcast episode, with fellow comedian Matt McCusker, reportedly insulted the Asian community and their accents.

In another episode, Gillis also ranked comedians by race, gender, and sexual orientation, reportedly using homophobic slurs to describe them.

Gillis was set to appear on season 45 of SNL but a spokesperson released a statement on behalf of producer Lorne Michaels that revealed otherwise.

“After talking with Shane Gillis, we have decided that he will not be joining SNL," they wrote.

“We want SNL to have a variety of voices and points of view within the show."

"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," they added.

SNL claimed that they were not aware of the slurs prior to hiring Gillis.

Gillis’ firing from the show occurred on the same day as SNL hired its first full-time cast member of East Asian descent.

Bowen Yang, now a beloved regular on the show, was promoted to on-air cast status for the show's 45th season after joining the sketch comedy series' writing staff for its previous season.

What did Shane Gillis say about being fired from SNL?

Immediately after Gillis was fired he released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, thanking SNL for considering him in their cast. 

“It feels ridiculous for comedians to be making serious public statements but here we are," the comedian wrote.

"I'm a comedian who was funny enough to get on SNL. That can't be taken away."

"Of course, I wanted an opportunity to prove myself at SNL but it would be too much of a distraction."

“I respect the decision they made. I am honestly grateful for the opportunity," he added.

After his statement, Gillis issued an apology for his past remarks after being scrutinized by the public.

"I'm a comedian who pushes boundaries," Gillis wrote. 

"I sometimes miss. I'm happy to apologize to anyone who's actually offended by anything I've said."

“My intention is never to hurt anyone but I am trying to be the best comedian I can be and sometimes that requires risks."

"I was always a [Mad TV] guy anyway,” Gillis concluded.

Since being fired from SNL, Gillis has continued pursuing comedy.

He launched a web series, Gilly and Keeves, in 2020 with his friend, comedian John McKeever.

In 2021, he released his first live comedy special, Shane Gillis: Live in Austin, followed by his second special, Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs, on September 5, 2023, on Netflix.

He's also kept busy by appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Pete Davidson's Peacock series, Bupkis, and The Adam Friedland Show.

In 2024, Gillis also partnered with Bud Light after years of joking that he should be their spokesman.

Did Shane Gillis host SNL?

Shane Gillis is returning to SNL, but he won't be joining the show's official cast anytime soon.

On Sunday, February 4, 2024, Saturday Night Live revealed that Shane Gillis was going to host an upcoming episode of the long-running sketch comedy show.

SNL posted the news on their social media, announcing that Gillis would host alongside musical guest, rapper 21 Savage on February 24.

SNL's followers were quick to share their thoughts on the controversial comic – and equally controversial hosting choice.

"Well well well…" wrote one user.

"Getting fired from SNL before doing one skit and then hosting is such a power move!" commented another user.

"Let’s gooooo! I hope he cancels last minute like 5 min before he’s supposed to go on," one user wrote.

"Would serve y’all right for firing him to begin with," they added.

Still, not all viewers were thrilled with the decision.

"What a disappointment SNL. I’ve been watching for decades and I’m so disappointed," wrote one user.

"Please let there be enough backlash to reverse this," commented another.

Shane Gillis has not publicly commented on his upcoming hosting gig at SNL, but he did retweet the show's announcement on his X account.