SNL’s Michael Che Admits To Writing Sketch Accused Of ‘Cultural Appropriation’

Comedian, actor, and writer Michael Che has taken credit for writing a “Saturday Night Live” sketch with Elon Musk that has been accused of cultural appropriation. Che, who is Black, said he is “stunned” at the backlash and accusations of racism.  

“Gen Z Hospital” repeatedly uses slang such as “bestie,” “no cap,” “go off, king,” “sis,” and “gang gang.”

The skit resembles the language, dress, and attitude of many TikTok videos from young adults.

But, these words apparently are heavily used in AAVE (African-American Vernacular English). 

Bestie Is At SNL’s Gen Z Hospital

In the skit, Elon Musk is the doctor at “Gen Z Hospital” that is carrying for the “bestie” of a group of several people. The “bestie” was fatally injured and the friends were left dealing with their emotions at the hospital.

Musk was speaking to them using the same generational language. 

RELATED: ‘SNL’ Cast Members Triggered By Host Elon Musk Will Get Safe Spaces

But some thought it wasn’t mocking young adults but rather Black vernacular as most of the cast members are White. Twitter lit up with these accusations.

This Gen Z hospital sketch on SNL is so stupid. I’m so tired of nonblack people throwing random AAVE terms in their sentences and calling that horse shit “Gen Z language”. pic.twitter.com/3Qhu47zyqj

— Pfizer Princess (@imanimlewis) May 9, 2021

Another tweet said that it would be less racist if Musk just said the N word.

Idk how to explain it but I think Gen Z Hospital would’ve somehow felt less racist if Elon Musk just looked into the camera and said the n word with a hard r instead of whatever that was

— Adeki (@AgitatedAdeki) May 9, 2021

Michael Che Never Heard OF AAVE

Michael Che was taken aback by the fierce criticism and accusations of racism.

It was surprising to him because he had never heard of AAVE.

waiting for it to be midnight, so I can binge That Damn Michael Che !! #HBOMax pic.twitter.com/1ijWLT97so

— StacyWorldPeace (@stacyxosquirtz) May 6, 2021

The Weekend Update host shared his thoughts in a now deleted Instagram post.

The post was titled, “if i could stop one person from calling everybody bro and bestie, im happy with that.”

“I’ve been reading about how my ‘gen z’ sketch was misappropriating AAVE,” he wrote. “And I was stunned because what the f–k is ‘AAVE’? I had to look it up. Turns out it’s an acronym for ‘African American Vernacular English.’ You know, AAVE! That ol’ saying that actual Black people use in conversation all the time…”

“Look the sketch bombed. I’m used to that,” he continued. “I meant no offense to the ‘AAVE’ community. I love AAVE. AAVE to the moon,” Che shared.

It’s pretty clear that “Gen Z Hospital” was not meant to have a racist narrative.

It was poking fun at an entire generation – you, know, it was comedy.

But, in this era of heightened sensitivity, many things are labeled as offensive and racist.

Some people thought it was hilarious though.

This wasn’t the only controversy on Saturday’s episode. Dave Chappelle also took aim at the criticism about Elon Musk, who is one of the richest men in the world, hosting the show.

The comedian said “no one can be woke enough.”

BACKSTORY: Dave Chappelle Says ‘No One Can Be Woke Enough’ After Hollywood Liberals Turn On Elon Musk

The entire “Gen Z Hospital” sketch is in the video below.