Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

SNL’ rescinds cast invitation to Gillis over YouTube video

Shane Gillis SNL

Phil Provencio/NBC / AP

This photo released by NBC shows Shane Gillis who was to join the cast of “Saturday Night Live,” premiering its 45th season on Sept. 28. “Saturday Night Live” rescinded its invitation to Gillis who posted a video last year in which he used a racial slur for Chinese people and derided Asians trying to learn English.

NEW YORK — "Saturday Night Live" has rescinded its invitation to a cast member who posted a video last year in which he used a racial slur for Chinese people and derided Asians trying to learn English.

A show representative said Monday that the language Shane Gillis used is "offensive, hurtful and unacceptable" and the show was not aware of the past remarks that have drawn criticism.

"Saturday Night Live" apologized. The show says it's vetting process "was not up to our standard."

The clip of Gillis re-emerged last week just hours after NBC said that he and two others, including the show's only Asian American performer, were joining the cast as featured players.