Michael Che Sparks Backlash With Joke Involving Caitlyn Jenner and Kanye West

Many fans took to Twitter where they accused Che of spewing transphobic rhetoric. 

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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. 

The thing that gets me about this transphobic SNL joke is that Michael Che clearly thinks this joke is the Height of Comedy since he cannot contain the giggle storm forming on his face https://t.co/Zg7QB9965Y

— Joseph Lamour 🇭🇹🏳️‍🌈 (@lamour) October 28, 2019

@nbcsnl Both of these things are extremely harmful, widespread practices that contribute to the oppression of trans women, and the trans community at large. I want you to apologize for this behavior. You are better than this. (2/2)

— Geoffrey 🌻 (@_toastyghost_) October 28, 2019

i’m so upset by what i saw on SNL last night. transphobia is literally killing people. TRANSPHOBIA IS NOT A JOKE #michaelche

— ✰sami✰ they/she (@thesamipeti) October 28, 2019

Michael Che about to try out the transphobic joke he was working on all week pic.twitter.com/IffXdKyMRN

— Will Long (@Willful_long) October 27, 2019

Caitlyn Jenner jokes in 2019. Keep crushing it, SNL. Truly innovative stuff from Michael Che.

— Justin Martin (@jmartinwrites) October 27, 2019

Neither Michael Che, NBC, nor SNL has responded to the outrage. Chance the Rapper served as this episode's musical guest and host. 

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