Bowen Yang isn’t letting unfounded accusations go unchallenged. 

The Saturday Night Live star recently found himself in the middle of an online controversy 

when a background actor on the show made claims that he was responsible for Shane Gillis’ firing from SNL in 2019.

The situation unfolded after SNL announced Gillis’ return as a host for an upcoming episode. 

Under a promotional Instagram post, Michelle Best, who appears to have worked as a background actor on the show, 

shared her thoughts on Gillis’ initial departure, calling him “a bigger man” for coming back despite being “unfairly ditched.” 

She then went on to accuse Yang, whom she referred to using a homophobic slur, of having played a role in Gillis being let go.

Yang quickly noticed the comment and responded directly, shutting down the claim while reminding Best of her own limited involvement in the show. “I wrote the sketch you were a background actor in,” he replied, making it clear that her opinion did not reflect any actual decision-making power behind Gillis’ firing.

The History Behind Shane Gillis’ Firing

Gillis was announced as a new cast member of Saturday Night Live in 2019 alongside Chloe Fineman and Yang, who had been promoted from the show’s writing staff. However, shortly after the announcement, past footage resurfaced in which Gillis made racist and homophobic remarks. The backlash was swift, leading to his removal from the cast before he ever appeared in an episode.

At the time, Gillis issued an apology, describing himself as a comedian who “pushes boundaries” and sometimes “misses the mark.” His firing became a topic of debate, with some defending his right to free speech while others believed his comments warranted consequences.

Despite the controversy, SNL creator Lorne Michaels later expressed regret over the decision, revealing that it had not been his choice. He shared in an interview that the higher-ups at NBC were firm in their stance and that, while he was “angry” about how things played out, he ultimately had to accept their decision.

Yang and Gillis: Moving Forward

Over the years, Yang has spoken openly about how his name often gets linked with Gillis in discussions about the firing. He has previously emphasized that he was not involved in the decision, nor does he want his career to be permanently tied to the situation.

In a 2023 interview, Yang revealed that Gillis personally called him to apologize after the incident. Despite the past drama, Yang has expressed interest in moving beyond the controversy, stating that he and Gillis have both built careers that should not be overshadowed by what happened.

“Anytime our names are in the same sentence, at least in a journalistic way, it always feels deleterious,” Yang said in a past interview. “It feels like one person is trying to undo the other.” He also noted that he was genuinely curious about how Gillis’ return as an SNL host would be received, believing it to be a step toward putting the situation behind them.

Gillis, for his part, has continued to find success in the comedy world. Since leaving SNL, he has built a loyal following through stand-up and podcasting, proving that the controversy did not put an end to his career. His hosting gig on March 1 marks his second time returning to the SNL stage, further solidifying his resurgence in the comedy scene.

Bowen Yang’s Continued Success at SNL

While Gillis’ career has moved in a different direction, Yang has flourished as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Since joining the show, he has become known for his inventive characters on Weekend Update, portraying figures like the Iceberg That Sank the Titanic, a Proud Gay Oompa Loompa, and Trend Forecasters alongside Aidy Bryant. He has also gained recognition for his impressions of celebrities such as Fran Lebowitz and Charli XCX.

Yang has earned three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, in addition to another nomination for his writing. His impact on the show has been undeniable, making history as the first Chinese-American cast member and one of the few openly gay performers in SNL’s history.

Despite the recent social media drama, Yang remains focused on his work. His response to Best’s comment was brief but effective, shutting down misinformation while refusing to engage in unnecessary conflict. The exchange serves as a reminder that even in the world of comedy, baseless accusations can spread—but Yang isn’t afraid to set the record straight.

As Gillis prepares to return to SNL once again, it’s clear that both comedians have carved their own paths. While their names may continue to be linked due to past controversy, they are both proving that their careers are defined by their talents—not by a decision made years ago.

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