Bowen Yang has addressed accusations that he played a role in Shane Gillis’ firing from Saturday Night Live (SNL),
firmly denying any involvement in the decision that led to Gillis’ removal from the show in 2019.
The controversy resurfaced when Michelle Best, a former SNL background actor, commented on an Instagram post promoting Gillis’ return to the show as a host.
Michelle Best’s Controversial Comment
The drama began when Best commented on a clip shared by SNL and Gillis, suggesting that Yang was responsible for Gillis’ firing.
In her comment, she accused Yang of pushing Gillis out of the show and praised Gillis for returning despite the alleged circumstances.
She referred to Yang as a “whiny queen” and claimed that Gillis was unfairly dismissed.
“Can we acknowledge that Bowen Yang bitched him off the show – and he’s the bigger man to come host after being unfairly ditched bc of a whiny queen,” Best wrote. She went on to describe Gillis as a “kind” individual with “smart humor” who stands up to bullying.
Bowen Yang’s Response to the Accusation
Yang, who is currently gaining attention for his role in Wicked, did not stay silent following Best’s comments. He firmly denied any role in Gillis’ firing, pushing back against the rumor that he was responsible for the comedian’s exit from SNL.
Yang and Gillis both joined SNL in 2019, but shortly after being hired, Gillis was let go when past controversial remarks resurfaced. A 2018 YouTube video from his podcast, Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast, was unearthed, revealing Gillis using a racial slur and mocking Chinese accents. The backlash was swift, and SNL made the decision to terminate his contract before he had the chance to perform on the show.
Yang later recalled his last conversation with Gillis before the firing, stating, “I ended the call by saying, ‘I guess I’ll just see you at work.’ He laughed and said, ‘Sure,’ and hung up. Then they announced that he was fired.”
Michelle Best’s Connection to SNL
While Michelle Best has never been a full-time cast member of SNL, she previously worked as a background actor on the show. She notably appeared in a 2019 sketch titled Fashion Coward, which featured cast members Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant, along with host Emma Stone.
Despite her recent controversial remarks, Best has spoken positively about her experience working on SNL. In a social media post celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary, she shared her appreciation for the behind-the-scenes crew and expressed admiration for the fast-paced nature of production.
“I’ve been cut from more sketches than I’ve made it into, yet it’s the only background work I’ll accept because it’s literally the most amazingly fast, highly technical work I have ever seen done,” she wrote. She went on to praise the set designers, costumers, and props team for their contributions to the show’s success.
Shane Gillis’ Return to SNL
Despite the controversy that surrounded his firing, Gillis made his return to SNL as a host in February 2024. During his monologue, he made light of his past exit, joking with the audience about it.
“Most of you probably have no idea who I am,” he said. “I was actually fired from this show a while ago, but if you know, don’t look that up, please. Please don’t Google that.”
Gillis’ return to SNL has been widely discussed, with some seeing it as a sign of the show moving past previous controversies. His hosting appearance marks a notable comeback after being dismissed under contentious circumstances.
Conclusion
Bowen Yang has firmly denied any involvement in Shane Gillis’ firing, refuting claims made by former SNL background actor Michelle Best. While Best’s comments reignited debate over Gillis’ 2019 dismissal, Yang remains clear that the decision was not his to make. Meanwhile, Gillis has returned to the SNL stage, seemingly embracing his past with humor and continuing to build his career.
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