'SNL' host Inde Navarrette claps back at Shane Gillis in monologue - USA Today
"Obsession" horror star Inde Navarrette brought some fresh blood to an existing "Saturday Night Live" wound on Halloween, taking a pointed swipe at recent host Shane Gillis' controversial joke about women's workout clothes.
Navarrette, 25, making her "SNL" hosting debut on Oct. 31, explained during the monologue that she was shocked to land the role of Rogue in the upcoming "X-Men" movie and realized she would have to get in great shape for the superhero assignment.
"It's really important to get fit, so I've been working out a lot. Every morning, I put on my little whore outfit, and I hit the gym," Navarrette said with a smile, letting it linger with a laugh, drawing howls from the Studio 8H audience.
The line was a sweet smackdown to Gillis' Oct. 10 hosting appearance, when the comedian sparked a backlash by suggesting women at the gym dressed like "whores." His remarks drew criticism from "Schitt's Creek" star Dan Levy and former "SNL" cast members Ego Nwodim and Cecily Strong.
Even "SNL UK" joined the backlash, with "Weekend Update" anchor Ania Magliano mocking Gillis' gym joke before blasting him for accidentally dropping the f-bomb on live television.
Navarrette, breakout star of the supernatural horror hit "Obsession," also leaned into the Halloween theme. The star insisted she was nothing like her character in "Obsession," pointing to her boyfriend, musician Nick Aiello, in the audience. "He's supporting me, we're real chill," she said.
The camera flashed to Aiello, who was gagged and strapped to his chair with duct tape. He still managed to give his girlfriend two thumbs up.
The episode provided an opening for several cast members to show off their Halloween costumes.
Marcello Hernández joined Navarrette onstage dressed as a "sexy TSA agent," singing about his unusual holiday look. Jeremy Culhane appeared dressed as Marvel superhero Wolverine, hoping his costume might serve as an audition for a future role.
"SNL" cast member Grace Reiter appeared dressed as a wooden bird, explaining that it was part of a group costume before bringing out an overly casually dressed sidekick. "Oh my God, it's Kelly Clarkson!" Navarrette exclaimed. Fake Clarkson burst into song, singing, "Give me the bird!"
Navarrette's hosting debut marked the first new "SNL" episode following a two-week hiatus after Gillis' much-discussed appearance.
Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams joined the celebration as musical guest, returning to "SNL" for her second appearance.
