Michael Che’s Awkward Interview Over Shane Gillis’ Joke Backlash On ‘SNL’: “I Didn’t Think About It, Honestly”
Michael Che gave an uneasy interview on the Today show when asked about the backlash to Shane Gillis’s sexist joke during Saturday Night Live. Che said he had not seen the joke when it was performed and had not thought much about it afterwards, while explaining that he was focused on his Weekend Update work.
Gillis hosted SNL on 10 October and joked about women’s gym clothing, prompting criticism. After the interview, Che said on Threads that he had not laughed at the joke, added that people should wear what they want, and made further sarcastic remarks about his own attitude to comedy and women.
- Che said he did not see Gillis’s joke during the show.
- Gillis faced backlash over a joke about women’s gym clothing.
- Che later said he had not laughed and defended personal choice.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Che’s response can be seen as candid: he said he had not seen the joke and was focused on his own work, rather than pretending to have a considered reaction. His later comments that people should wear what they want also suggest he did not endorse the joke’s message, while leaving room for comedy to provoke debate.
The case against
As a prominent SNL cast member, Che’s apparent indifference may seem evasive when asked about a joke that drew criticism for being sexist. Saying he had not thought about it, followed by sarcasm online, could be read as sidestepping the impact of the joke and the concerns raised by its critics.