Some writers for NBC’s long-running sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” may boycott the upcoming episode since comedian Dave Chappelle has been chosen to host.
Several of the writers were upset when producers invited Chappelle — who has been accused of uttering “transphobic” and “homophobic” jokes in a number of his stand-up comedy specials — to host the November 12th show, so they chose to withdraw.
“They’re not going to do the show,” sources said of the writers. “But none of the actors are boycotting.”
“SNL” prompted some backlash on Twitter when Chappelle’s appearance was first announced last week.
One observer noted that many were so enraged by Chappelle’s attendance that no one was reacting to the fact that hip-hop trio Black Star was performing for the first time in more than a decade.
“Chappelle reputation is so godawful that nobody even CARES that Black Star is reuniting lmfao one of the most beloved supergroups in hip hop performing after an 11 yr long hiatus & ppl not even noticing cuz the other guy on stage just been talking so much shit abt trans ppl LOL,” one Twitter user said.
When word got out that some of the writers were planning to boycott the program, The Hill’s media and politics journalist — Joe Concha suggested that their loss may be the audience’s benefit.
“If the great Dave Chappelle is hosting, methinks any assistance from some of the worst writers in comedy won’t be needed. Just hand the keys to Dave and get out of the way,” he said.
“Fire the writers. Have Chappelle do an hour of stand up. Problem solved,” The First producer Nick Rizzuto added.