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Dave Chappellereturned toSaturdayNightLiveover the weekend — and didn’t shy away from controversy.
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Leading up to Chappelle’s hosting gig, there were reports that variousSNLstaff members were boycotting the controversial star’s involvement on the show, though a representative for Chappelle told CNN in a statement: “We’ve seennothing to support media reports of a writer’s boycott. In fact, the writers delivered over 40 sketches for Dave’s consideration and collaboration. Just as during Dave’s pastSNLappearances, you won’t want to miss it!”
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During the show, Chappelle took part in various sketches, including one where he played abarber, and another that focused on “Black Heaven.”
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Chappelle previously hostedSNLin 2016 and 2020, each time earning him an Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series. Black Star, meanwhile, made theirSNLdebut over the weekend.
The group first performed “So Be It” during the beginning half of the show, before later taking the stage once more to sing their track “The Main Thing Is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing” towards the end.
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Season 48 of SNL comes about as the comedy sketch series navigates a major cast shakeup. Longtime series regularsKate McKinnon,Pete Davidson,Aidy BryantandKyle Mooneyexited after theseason 47 finale.
PEOPLE thenconfirmedon Sept. 1 that the series was also losingMelissa VillaseñorandAlex Moffat, as well as featured playerAristotle Athari. Then,Chris Reddannouncedhis departure fromSNLafter five seasons last month.
On Sept. 15, NBC revealed the four new featured players joiningSNLin season 48:Marcello Hernandez,Molly Kearney,Michael LongfellowandDevon Walker.
SNLcreator Lorne Michaels recently calledseason 48 a “transition year,“telling reporters backstage at the2022 Emmy Awards, “There are new people, and things are changing, and a different generation comes into the show.”
SNLwill return on Dec. 3 withKeke Palmeras host andSZAas musical guest.
source: people.com
