A new documentary about Kanye West, titled In Whose Name, recently premiered. The film, directed by Nico Ballesteros, covers some of West's most debated public moments over a six-year period. One notable scene features a backstage confrontation between West and comedian Michael Che following West's controversial appearance on Saturday Night Live in 2018.
During that SNL episode, West, wearing a 'Make America Great Again' hat, delivered an unexpected rant after the show's closing musical performance. This incident led to a tense exchange with Michael Che, a writer and cast member for the long-running sketch comedy show.
Key Takeaways
- Documentary In Whose Name highlights Kanye West's controversial moments.
- Michael Che confronted West backstage after his 2018 SNL rant.
- West wore a MAGA hat during his post-performance speech.
- Che described feeling 'sold out' by West's actions.
- West later apologized to Che during Eddie Murphy's SNL hosting in 2019.
The 2018 Saturday Night Live Incident
Kanye West's appearance on Saturday Night Live in September 2018 concluded with an unscripted speech. After performing his song, West addressed the audience and cast members while wearing a red 'Make America Great Again' hat. His comments touched on various topics, including politics and social issues.
During his speech, West stated, "You can’t always have, every time you have a Black subject matter like [Bill] Cosby that you have to have a Black comedian talking about him." This remark, among others, caused discomfort among the SNL cast and crew present on stage.
Fact: Kanye West's 2018 SNL Appearance
- Date: September 29, 2018
- Host: Adam Driver
- Musical Guest: Kanye West
- Controversy: Unscripted, pro-Trump rant while wearing a MAGA hat.
Michael Che's Backstage Confrontation
Immediately following the live broadcast, Michael Che confronted West backstage. Che expressed his disappointment and confusion over West's actions. He felt that West had betrayed the trust and hospitality extended by the SNL team.
"I work here. Like, come on, man. We treat everyone that come in like family, and you gonna sell us out? Like, that’s f*cked up, man. We look up to you, we love you. What you got against us?" Che recalled telling West in the documentary.
Che also criticized West for waiting until the end of the show to deliver his remarks. He felt this timing prevented any immediate response from the SNL cast or production team. "Airing it out like that without letting us be able to reply is kind of foul," Che added. "You wait until the last song and then say that foul sh*t to us?… You’re a hero to us, man! We love you. Seriously, we love you. But it’s foul to do that.”
The Apology: A Chance Encounter in 2019
Years later, Michael Che shared details about a subsequent encounter with West. This occurred in 2019, when legendary comedian Eddie Murphy hosted Saturday Night Live. Che recounted this story during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Bonfire.
The Eddie Murphy-hosted episode was a significant event, drawing many prominent Black figures in Hollywood. Che remembered the backstage area being crowded. "Every Black person in Hollywood was at this show," he stated. He was busy with his duties for the show, and his dressing room was being used by others as a green room. This left him without a private space.
Background: Eddie Murphy's SNL Return
Eddie Murphy returned to host Saturday Night Live on December 21, 2019, for the first time in 35 years. His appearance was highly anticipated and featured several of his iconic characters, drawing a significant audience and many celebrity guests.
It was in this chaotic environment that Che unexpectedly ran into West in a hallway. Che had not seen West since their tense interaction in 2018. He was unsure if West even remembered the incident, given the many public statements West had made over time.
To Che's surprise, West initiated the conversation with an apology. "And he was like, ‘I owe you an apology.’ And we talked and I never brought it up again," Che explained. This apology marked a resolution to the previously unresolved backstage conflict.
Impact of the Documentary and Public Reflection
The documentary In Whose Name brings renewed attention to these events, offering a look into the moments that shaped West's public image. It provides context for the interactions and reactions surrounding his more controversial acts.
The film's release and Che's recent comments offer a complete picture of the 2018 SNL incident. It shows the immediate impact of West's actions on those around him and the eventual, private attempt at reconciliation. The documentary aims to present a comprehensive view of West's career and public persona.
According to reports, the documentary has achieved an impressive opening weekend despite limited promotion, indicating significant public interest in West's career and the controversies surrounding him.
Documentary Details
- Title: In Whose Name
- Director: Nico Ballesteros
- Filming Duration: Six years
- Focus: Highlights Kanye West's controversial moments.
The continued discussion around these moments underscores the lasting impression West's actions have had on popular culture and the entertainment industry. Michael Che's account adds a personal dimension to the public record, revealing a private apology that occurred away from the media spotlight.
This incident remains a notable point in West's history, showcasing the often unpredictable nature of his public appearances and the reactions they generate. The documentary serves as a record of these complex moments, allowing for continued public discussion and analysis.