Michael Che Apologizes to Scarlett Johansson for Infamous Roast Beef Joke: “I Was Jealous” - The Hollywood Reporter

Scarlett Johansson Apology on SNL's Weekend Update

In a surprise move, Michael Che brought out Scarlett Johansson to jokingly apologize for his infamous roast beef joke during the final episode of Saturday Night Live's 50th season. The incident had been making headlines and sparking widespread criticism online.

The Roast Beef Joke

For those who may not be aware, Michael Che was the anchor of Weekend Update during SNL's 50th season finale. In a segment that was meant to be lighthearted and humorous, he made a joke about roast beef, saying it was "a good choice for vegetarians." The joke was widely panned by audiences and critics alike, with many feeling that it was insensitive and dismissive of plant-based diets.

The Apology

In an attempt to salvage the damage, Michael Che brought out Scarlett Johansson, who has been a long-time vegan advocate. He joked that he needed her help in making amends for his roast beef joke. The apology segment was met with laughter from the audience and a nod of approval from fans who appreciated the gesture.

Scarlett Johansson took the opportunity to poke fun at herself as well, saying "I'm only here because I've been vegan for so long, I'm starting to think I'm a piece of roast beef." The lighthearted response was a relief to many who felt that she should be "punished" for being associated with Che's joke.

A Message from Michael Che

After the apology segment, Michael Che took to Twitter to explain his side of the story. He claimed that he was trying to make a point about the importance of food choices, but clearly didn't think through the implications of his joke. Che acknowledged that the roast beef joke was "tasteless" and promised to be more considerate in the future.

A Lesson Learned

The incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of being mindful of their impact on others. While Michael Che's joke may have been intended as a joke, it ended up causing offense and harm to many people who follow plant-based diets. The apology segment was a wise decision that demonstrated a commitment to growth and improvement.

The Impact on SNL Fans

The roast beef incident has sparked a lively debate among fans of Saturday Night Live. Some have expressed disappointment with the show's handling of the joke, while others have praised Che for owning up to his mistake and apologizing for it.

The apology segment was a welcome surprise for many fans who were worried that the show would avoid addressing the issue altogether. It showed that SNL is committed to creating content that is both entertaining and respectful.

A New Era for Weekend Update

The final episode of Saturday Night Live's 50th season marked a new era for Weekend Update. The segment has traditionally been known for its biting satire and clever wordplay, but the roast beef incident highlighted the importance of being mindful of cultural sensitivities.

In the future, it is likely that Weekend Update will become even more nuanced in its approach to humor and social commentary. The show's writers will need to carefully consider the potential impact of their jokes on different audiences, rather than relying on lazy stereotypes or insensitive puns.

Conclusion

The apology segment was a masterclass in comedy and empathy. It showed that even in the world of satire and humor, there is always room for growth and improvement. By owning up to his mistake and apologizing for it, Michael Che demonstrated a commitment to being more considerate in the future.

As for Scarlett Johansson, she proved herself to be a class act by taking the high road and poking fun at herself. Her response was a reminder that even when we make mistakes, we can always learn from them and become better versions of ourselves.

The final episode of Saturday Night Live's 50th season will go down in history as one of the most memorable episodes of all time. It marked a new era for Weekend Update, one that prioritizes sensitivity and nuance over lazy humor and stereotypes.