Michael Che Sparks Backlash With Joke Involving Caitlyn Jenner and Kanye West
Written by SOURCE on October 29, 2019
Saturday Night Live‘s Michael Che is under fire for a joke aimed at Kanye West and Caitlyn Jenner.
During the latest installment of the show’s “Weekend Update” segment, Che took on Kanye’s album Jesus Is King. While riffing on the project, the comedian compared West’s new phase of life to Caitlyn Jenner. “I mean, he used to be one of the coolest black dudes on earth, now he’s showing up to events in sweatpants and orthopedic sneakers, listening to Kenny G and trying to get black people to like Trump,” Che said. “How long before this guy changes his name to Cathy?”
Che supported the joke by showing the audience side-by-side pictures of Kanye West and an elderly white woman. “Now, you might think that I’m crazy,” Che continued. “But about five years ago, there was a fella named Bruce Jenner, and he moved to Calabasas…”
The fact Che used Jenner’s former name and misgendered her did not sit well with viewers. Many fans took to Twitter where they accused Che of spewing transphobic rhetoric.
Neither Michael Che, NBC, nor SNL has responded to the outrage. Chance the Rapper served as this episode’s musical guest and host.
