Fired ‘SNL’ Cast Member Snags Bud Light Sponsorship
Shane Gillis was ousted from SNL in 2019 after videos surfaced of him using ethnic and gay slurs.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation
Bud Light announced a new partnership with comedian Shane Gillis—who famously lost a Saturday Night Live gig after his racist and homophobic remarks went viral—on Monday in an Instagram post.
“Welcome to the team @shanemgillis, excited to be a part of your 2024 tour,” the post read, alongside a photo of the comedian flashing a thumbs-up in a brewery.
In September, Gillis’ second stand-up special Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs topped the Netflix charts, marking a comeback for the funnyman who was fired from SNL in 2019 after videos surfaced of him using ethnic and gay slurs.
The announcement of Gillis’ sponsorship comes less than a year after Bud Light found itself in the culture-war crosshairs over a collaboration with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Mulvaney’s involvement with the brand led to extreme right-wing backlash, as conservative consumers claimed that their beloved brew was virtue signaling by working with the transgender actress and singer. Kid Rock was so offended he shot up a case of Bud Light.
Bud Light’s sales plummeted as a result, with two marketing executives were placed on leave.
In August, far-right Republicans still acted offended by the beverage, with Megyn Kelly telling Joe Rogan he was on “the wrong side” after the podcast host drank a Bud Light. As recently as October, conservatives were triggered again when the UFC penned a multi-year contract with Bud Light.
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Considering his recent fame, and status as a cancel culture victim, Gillis could serve as a bridge back to those who decried the beer in the first place.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.