'SNL' veteran Kenan Thompson discusses Shane Gillis' controversial monologue

Kenan Thompson has said the backlash over Shane Gillis’ controversial Saturday Night Live (SNL) monologue overshadowed the rest of the episode, adding that Gillis would need to have a serious conversation with the cast if he returned as host.

Speaking at the Axios Media Trends Live summit, Thompson discussed the reaction to Gillis’ joke about women dressing like “wh*res” at the gym.

The SNL veteran said he did not consider Gillis a mean person but suggested they would discuss the monologue if he hosted again.

“I know Shane, and I don’t know him to be a mean person, necessarily,” Thompson said.

Thompson also stressed the need to balance creative freedom with responsibility, describing the challenge as “finding the balance of both things — allowing creative liberties but also watching your step as far as harmful words are concerned.”

He lamented that the controversy had diverted attention from other performers, including new cast member Grace Reiter and musical guest Rosalía.

“Grace [Reiter], one of our newest cast members, had a phenomenal show, and it’s sad because nobody’s even talking about it,” Thompson said.

He clarified that the decision to invite Gillis back was not his to make, but added, “if he were to come back, then I think we would have to have some sort of real chat where people’s actions don’t wave-pool the rest of us.”

Reactions to the monologue have divided the entertainment industry. Some performers criticised the joke, while comedian Dana Carvey defended Gillis.

Peter Micelli, CEO of Range Media Partners, which represents Gillis, also defended comedians’ freedom to test boundaries, arguing that comedy requires room for creative expression.