Chris Rock returned as host for the December 14, 2024, episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), delivering an opening monologue packed with biting humor and commentary on current events. The comedian, known for his sharp wit, addressed topics ranging from Jake Paul’s boxing antics to Elon Musk’s eccentricities, controversial political figures, and the recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Watch his monologue below:
Jake Paul and Boxing Controversy
Rock took aim at YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, mocking his recent match with boxing legend Mike Tyson. Highlighting the stark age difference between the 27-year-old Paul and the 60-year-old Tyson, Rock joked:
“Who is this Jake Paul? This 27-year-old punching a 60-year-old in the face. Is this what the white man has reduced himself to? Stop it! Who’s he going to fight next, Morgan Freeman? I hate Jake Paul. I got landlord hate for him.”
Rock’s comment drew laughter from the audience, reflecting his trademark comedic approach to cultural moments.
The Brian Thompson Assassination
Rock addressed the high-profile assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a topic that has gripped national attention. He expressed sympathy for the family but did not shy away from controversial humor:
“I really feel sorry for the family. Everybody’s fixated on how good-looking this guy looks. If he looked like Jonah Hill, no one would care. They’d already given him the chair already — he’d be dead. But he actually killed a man — a man with a family, a man with kids. I have condolences. This is a real person, you know? But you also got to go, ‘You know, sometimes drug dealers get shot.’”
The remark sparked mixed reactions, as it combined a nod to the tragic nature of the incident with a blunt observation.
Criticism of Trump’s Policies
Rock turned his focus to former U.S. President Donald Trump, taking aim at his immigration policies. In reference to the Menendez Brothers, infamous for the murder of their parents, Rock joked about their potential deportation under Trump’s leadership:
“Menendez Brothers are getting out of jail — just in time to get deported. Trump is going to deport their ass, you murdering Mexicans!”
Rock’s commentary drew attention to the intersection of crime and immigration issues, presented with his signature sharp humor.
Elon Musk in the Spotlight
The comedian also shared his thoughts on tech billionaire Elon Musk, humorously addressing Musk’s African heritage and prolific family life:
“He’s working with the number one African American in the world. The richest African American in the world: Elon Musk. That’s right. He is African American. Elon’s got more kids than the Cleveland Browns. That’s right. Nobody knows how to get rid of people like a South African.”
Rock’s take on Musk blended humor with a subtle jab at the Tesla CEO’s controversial reputation and global influence.
Rock’s SNL Legacy
This marked Chris Rock’s fourth time hosting SNL, with previous appearances in 2020, 2014, and 1996. Rock, who was an SNL cast member from 1990 to 1993, has consistently brought his unique perspective and unapologetic humor to the iconic sketch comedy show.
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