Michael Che comments on Shane Gillis' controversial SNL monologue and promotes Netflix special

Saturday Night Live cast member Michael Che spoke to TODAY about the criticism faced by host Shane Gillis after the comedian made a joke describing women’s gym attire. Gillis’ remark, which compared women’s clothing to “whores,” sparked swift backlash on social media and drew comments from other comedians.

Che, who was promoting his Netflix special "Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota," said comedy often divides audiences. > "That’s comedy. It’s like, you think it’s funny and then some people don’t," he told TODAY’s Laura Jarrett.

When asked if he had found the joke funny, Che said he was focused on his own material during the live show and only became aware of the monologue the next day. > "I was at cue cards, actually, thinking about what I was going to say that was going to make people upset, so I didn’t even see it until, like, the next day," he explained.

Che noted that some SNL writers receive the opening monologue in advance, but he does not typically review it. He described his own preparation for the "Weekend Update" segment as intensive, saying he studies and practices the material because he does not consider himself naturally adept at it. > "There’s so much going on. It’s really hard to see what everyone is doing, especially for me. I’m not what they call ‘good at my job,’ so I don’t pay attention to that," Che said.

He also reflected on the show’s tradition of swapping jokes with co-host Colin Jost, acknowledging that both performers sometimes miss the mark. > "That’s why I can’t criticize anybody for swinging and missing because I’ve definitely swung and missed, too," Che added.

TODAY reached out to Gillis and SNL for comment but did not receive a response.