‘SNL’ Weekend Update anchor calls Republicans slurs, mocks Charlie Kirk in stand-up special
Michael Che, co-anchor of “Saturday Night Live” Weekend Update, has drawn attention for jokes in his new Netflix stand-up special about Charlie Kirk’s killing and President Donald Trump’s supporters. The routine includes repeated use of an ableist slur, which Che defended on stage, and mocks the political language used to criticise Trump.
The special, “Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota”, was taped at Minneapolis’s First Avenue venue. Che said he had not known who Kirk was before his killing, described watching footage of the assassination as distressing, and joked about the explanation that conservative Christian men were being silenced. He also criticised the choice of presidential candidates, comparing the process unfavourably with sports rankings; the article says Che did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In short
- Michael Che’s Netflix special includes jokes about Charlie Kirk’s killing.
- He repeatedly uses an ableist slur while mocking Trump and supporters.
- Che also criticises the presidential candidate selection process.
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The case for
Supporters of Che’s routine could argue that stand-up should be free to confront political violence, public figures and the language of political debate through provocation and satire. They may see the jokes as criticism of political claims and candidate selection, rather than an endorsement of violence, and argue that audiences can judge offensive material for themselves.
The case against
Critics could argue that mocking Kirk’s killing risks turning a real death into a partisan punchline and showing too little regard for those affected by it. They may also contend that repeatedly using an ableist slur reinforces stigma, and that ridicule of political opponents can deepen contempt rather than illuminate disagreement.
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