"SNL" names Shane Gillis as host, nearly 5 years after it fired him
Why it matters: The comedian's removal from the show's cast in 2019 days before he was due to make his debut came as public figures began facing increased accountability for past comments.
The big picture: NBC at the time called his disparaging remarks about Chinese people and gay people "offensive, hurtful and unacceptable," while Gillis said he's "happy to apologize to anyone who who's actually offended by anything I've said" and noted that he's a "comedian who pushes boundaries."
Opponents of Gillis' firing dismissed it as an example of "cancel culture."
Of note: Gillis has enjoyed considerable success since his firing — notably with the 2021 live comedy special, "Shane Gillis: Live in Austin," which was viewed more than 20 million times, and another special, "Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs," which Netflix aired in September.
Representatives for "SNL" and Gillis did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
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