Jimmy Fallon Issues Apology Over "Blackface" SNL Sketch From 20 Years Ago

BY Erika Marie 2.9K Views
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Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock
Jimmy Fallon caught heat over a "Saturday Night Live" sketch from 2000 where he wears blackface as he impersonates Chris Rock.

Cancel Culture has had quite the week. After chopping down Lana Del Rey's tree following her open letter, Doja Cat began to trend over allegations that she was anti-black. Now, The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon has found himself in trouble with the public after a Saturday Night Live skit that he participated in back in 2000 went viral. In it, Jimmy Fallon wears blackface to impersonate fellow SNL alum Chris Rock.

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Fallon didn't waste any time with issuing a formal apology on Twitter. "In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface. There is no excuse for this," he wrote. "I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable." The response to Fallon's apology has been overwhelmingly supportive as many people have stated that a 20-year-old comedy sketch shouldn't be used against the talk show host.

According to Deadline, the full skit was removed from NBC platforms immediately following the cancelation of Megyn Kelly Today after she was booted for her controversial remarks defending blackface Halloween costumes. A portion of Jimmy Fallon's SNL skit was reposted on YouTube last year, and for some reason picked up steam in the last few days on Twitter. Check it out below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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