Michael Che Defends Shane Gillis' SNL Gym Joke as 'Comedy'
Che said he didn't see Gillis' monologue live and cannot criticize anyone for swinging and missing, as Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy react.
Michael Che has publicly defended Shane Gillis' controversial gym joke from Saturday Night Live, calling it "comedy," according to comingsoon.net. The Weekend Update co-anchor addressed the backlash in an interview after Gillis guest-hosted the show.
Che said he did not watch Gillis' monologue live because he was at cue cards rehearsing his own Weekend Update material, and only saw it the next day. Asked again about his personal feelings, he said he "didn't think about it, honestly."
He also said he cannot criticize anybody for "swinging and missing" because he has also swung and missed.
Reactions from other stars
Ego Nwodim, a former SNL cast member, posted an Instagram story of herself in athletic leggings and a matching workout top with the caption "W--- reporting for duty." Dan Levy stated that women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them "w---" but that the men calling them that are misogynists.
Quick answers
What did Michael Che say about Shane Gillis' SNL gym joke?
Che defended the joke, calling it "comedy," and said he cannot criticize anybody for "swinging and missing" because he has also swung and missed.
Did Michael Che watch Shane Gillis' monologue live?
No. Che said he was at cue cards rehearsing his own Weekend Update material and only saw the monologue the next day.
How did Ego Nwodim and Dan Levy respond to the joke?
Ego Nwodim posted an Instagram story in athletic wear with the caption "W--- reporting for duty," while Dan Levy said women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them "w---" and called the men using that term misogynists.