Michael Che Says He ‘Can’t Criticize’ Shane Gillis for ‘SNL’ Jokes About Women at the Gym: ‘That’s Comedy’

On Thursday, Michael Che found himself thrust into the ongoing controversy involving Shane Gillis and his "SNL" monologue targeting women at the gym. During an appearance on "Today" for his new stand-up special, Che, who co-hosts "Weekend Update" with Colin Jost, was asked for his opinion on Gillis' jokes. Gillis sparked backlash with a comment about women dressing in gym attire as if they were "whores."

Che's response to the jokes and subsequent uproar was succinct: "That's comedy," he said. "It's like, you think it's funny and some people don't."

Che admitted that he missed the joke in the moment, as he was focusing on his "Weekend Update" segment. When pressed further, he stated that he didn't consider the joke while it was happening. Later, when Jarrett pointed out that the jokes can "go hard," Che acknowledged that he, too, has sometimes "swung and missed." Despite Che's guarded comments, other "SNL" personalities have been vocal in their criticism of Gillis' remarks.

Ego Nwodim, a former "SNL" star, posted a photo of herself in workout gear with a provocative caption, while Dan Levy, co-creator of "Schitt's Creek," called out Gillis for his comments, emphasizing the difference between criticism and misogyny.