Kanye West’s Long-Awaited Apology to Michael Che After Heated ‘SNL’ Confrontation

West Offers Long-Delayed Apology To ‘SNL‘ Star Che

September 26, 2025

Kanye West, now publicly known as Ye, privately apologized to Saturday Night Live performer Michael Che for an on-stage critique made during a 2018 show appearance. The revelation surfaced in the new documentary, In Whose Name?, offering insight into a previously contentious exchange.

the 2018 Incident: A Heated Exchange

During his guest performance on the long-running NBC sketch comedy series in 2018, West delivered an unscripted monologue that included criticism of the show’s approach to addressing sensitive cultural issues. He questioned why Black comedians were always expected to comment on controversies involving other Black public figures, specifically referencing Bill Cosby.

Che confronted West backstage following the performance, expressing his frustration in a now-viral clip. The “Weekend Update” co-anchor questioned West’s decision to publicly call him out,stating he felt undermined and disrespected. West,in turn,admitted to having broader issues with the show itself.

Years Later: An Unexpected Olive Branch

Che recounted a recent encounter with West at an industry event, the Eddie Murphy show, were the rapper initiated an apology. “I’m walking through the hallway and he’s coming out the elevator bay and as soon as he sees me, he goes, ‘I owe you an apology’,” Che described on SiriusXM’s The Bonfire.He noted his surprise, stating he hadn’t anticipated West even remembering the incident, given the volume of public discourse surrounding him.

kanye West and Michael Che in 2018.

The Documentary And West’s Current Standing

The details of the apology emerged alongside the release of In Whose Name?,a documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at West’s life. The film, directed by Nico Ballesteros, reportedly depicts both the creative brilliance and internal struggles of the artist, as well as increasing instances of paranoia.

This incident unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing controversy surrounding West, who has faced notable criticism for making antisemitic statements in recent years, leading to restrictions on his social media accounts. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitic incidents in the U.S.have risen dramatically in the past five years,with a 36% increase in 2022 alone.

Event	Date	Location
West’s ‘SNL’ Appearance & Critique	2018	New York City
Backstage Confrontation	2018	New York City
Apology Offered	Recent	Industry Event (unspecified location)

did you Know? Kanye West’s unscripted remarks on ‘SNL’ sparked widespread debate about artistic freedom and the responsibility of public figures.

Pro Tip: When navigating public disagreements, a sincere apology and willingness to understand the other person’s perspective can go a long way.

What impact do you think this apology will have on public perception of Kanye West? And how do you see the responsibility of comedians and artists in addressing sensitive social issues?

The Power of Apology and Reconciliation

The resolution between West and Che highlights the importance of apology in maintaining relationships, even in the public eye. Studies in interpersonal dialog suggest that genuine apologies, which include acknowledgement of wrongdoing, expression of remorse, and an offer of restitution, are crucial for repairing damaged trust. This case also emphasizes the complexities of navigating public disagreements and the lasting impact of words and actions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kanye West and Michael Che

• What prompted Kanye West’s apology to Michael Che? West initiated the apology during a recent encounter at an industry event, years after a contentious exchange on ‘SNL’.
• What was the original conflict between Kanye West and michael Che about? West criticized Che for making jokes about Bill Cosby during his 2018 ‘SNL’ appearance, sparking a backstage confrontation.
• Where did the details of the apology first surface? Michael Che revealed the apology during an interview on SiriusXM’s The Bonfire.
• What is Kanye West currently known for? west is currently facing public scrutiny for a series of controversial statements, including antisemitic remarks.
• What is the documentary “In Whose Name?” about? The film offers behind-the-scenes access to West’s life and explores his creative process and personal struggles.

Share your thoughts on this story and engage with our community in the comments below.

How did the public reaction to Kanye West’s 2018 ‘SNL’ rant contribute to the ensuing feud with Michael Che?

The 2018 ‘SNL’ incident: A Recap

The roots of the tension between Kanye West (now ye) and Michael Che stretch back to a September 2018 episode of Saturday Night Live. West, a musical guest, went on an unscripted, politically charged rant following his performance. This occurred live, on air, and was largely perceived as controversial, especially regarding his support for then-President Donald Trump.

Key moments included:

* West’s wearing of a “Make America Great Again” hat during the show.

* An extended monologue where he expressed his views on free thought and political alignment.

* Immediate backlash from viewers and media outlets.

Michael Che, as Weekend Update co-anchor, addressed the incident the following week. His commentary, while attempting to be nuanced, was interpreted by West as critical and disrespectful. This sparked a public feud, largely played out on social media, with West posting screenshots of text exchanges with Che and accusing him of being afraid to speak his mind. The core of West’s complaint centered around what he perceived as che’s lack of support and willingness to challenge the prevailing narrative.

Years of Silence and Public Disagreements

Following the initial fallout, a period of strained silence ensued. West continued to express his views on various platforms, frequently enough referencing the incident with Che indirectly. Che, while occasionally addressing the situation, largely maintained a more reserved public stance.

The disagreement wasn’t solely about the SNL incident itself. It became intertwined with broader debates surrounding:

* Political Expression in Art: The boundaries of artistic freedom and the duty of artists to address political issues.

* Celebrity Responsibility: The influence of high-profile figures and the impact of their statements.

* Mental Health Awareness: West’s public struggles with bipolar disorder were frequently discussed in relation to his behavior,raising questions about accountability and understanding.

The Apology: Details and Context (September 2025)

On September 25th, 2025, Kanye West issued a public apology to michael Che via a post on his official website and X (formerly Twitter). The apology, described as “long overdue” by sources close to West, acknowledged the hurt caused by his actions and expressed regret for the public nature of their dispute.

Key elements of the apology included:

* Acknowledgement of Hurt: West specifically stated he understood how his public attacks on Che had been damaging and unfair.

* Taking Responsibility: He admitted his behavior was fueled by his own insecurities and struggles, and that he hadn’t handled the situation with maturity.

* Respect for Che’s Work: West praised Che’s comedic talent and contributions to Saturday Night Live.

* A desire for Reconciliation: The statement concluded with a hope for future dialog and a restoration of mutual respect.

The timing of the apology is important.It comes after a period of relative quiet for West,following a series of controversies in recent years. Many speculate that this is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate his public image.

Michael Che’s Response and the Aftermath

Michael Che responded to West’s apology within hours, posting a brief but gracious message on his Instagram account. He thanked West for the apology and expressed his willingness to move forward.

Che’s response was widely praised for its maturity and grace. It signaled a potential end to the years-long feud and offered a positive example of conflict resolution.

The Impact on Celebrity Discourse and Public Apologies

This apology has sparked renewed discussion about the role of public apologies in the age of social media.

Consider these points:

* Authenticity is Key: Observers note that the sincerity of the apology appears genuine, which is crucial for its effectiveness.

* Timing Matters: The timing, following a period of public scrutiny for West, suggests a strategic element, but doesn’t necessarily diminish its value.

* The Power of Social Media: the entire saga, from the initial incident to the apology, unfolded largely on social media, highlighting its influence on celebrity narratives.

* Setting a Precedent: This event could encourage other public figures to address past conflicts and offer apologies, fostering a more constructive dialogue.

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