Arts & Entertainment
‘SNL’ mocks Jussie Smollett case with Sandra Oh
Chris Redd portrays the ‘Empire’ actor
“Saturday Night Live” mocked the Jussie Smollett case in a skit starring host and ‘Killing Eve” star Sandra Oh as Smollett’s manager.
The skit titled “Network Meeting” starts off with Oh trying to keep Smollett’s (Chris Redd) job on “Empire” in a meeting with
“Just give Jussie another chance,” Oh, as Smollett’s manager, begs Daniels and the Fox executives as they wait for Smollett who is two hours late to the meeting.
“I just hope it’s not some crazy excuse,” Daniels says.
Smollett finally comes to the meeting and insists he’s been attacked.
“Guys, you are not gonna believe what just happened to me,” Smollett tells the group. “I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not that,” he exclaims before saying that he was attacked.
He opens up “a bag of clues” which includes a box of Crest Whitestrips, three red K’s that spell out the KKK and a purple Teletubby stuffed animal.
“It’s the gay one,” Smollett says.
“Don’t worry, I got some hits in, too. I’m still the gay Tupac” Smollett explains and then later calls himself “the gay Mike Tyson.”
McKinnon suggests calling the police but Smollett says “They said I could never call again as part of the deal.” The line alludes to the controversy surrounding Smollett’s dropped charges.
In the end Daniels fires Smollett from “Empire” and Oh decides not to be be his agent anymore.
“I just hope he gets the help he needs,” Oh says.
Smollett returns wearing a neck brace and sunglasses saying that he was attacked again.
Watch below.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
