Too soon or comedically edgy? Chris Rock raised some eyebrows on the Nov. 1 episode of Saturday Night Live with his daring stand-up comedy routine during the show’s opening monologue. In his 8-minute bit, the seasoned comedian, 49, touched on the Boston Marathon bombings of 2013, September 11th, the Freedom Tower, and gun laws.
“That Boston Marathon was scary, because I love Boston,” SNL alum Rock began. “I love the people there, but that was probably the most frightening, sadistic terrorist attack ever. Just think about it — 26 miles! People jogging for 26 miles, their knees are hurting, their feet are killing them, if you’re a woman, there’s blood coming out your titties. You’ve been training for a year, you finally get to the finish line, and somebody yells, ‘RUN!'”
The Top Five actor then began discussing the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 in New York. After saying his home city was able to bounce back, Rock began joking about the newly finished Freedom Tower, which stands next to the former location of the Twin Towers.
“They should change the name from the Freedom Tower to the ‘Never Going in There Tower,’ ’cause I’m never going in there,” he quipped. “Who’s the corporate sponsor, Target? They put another skyscraper in the same spot? I am never going in the Freedom Tower. I got robbed on 48th and 8th a few years ago, I have not been back to 48th and 8th.”
Anticipating some of the negative backlash, Rock noted, “Hey, hey I’m not joking about 9/11, but we live in America and in America there are no sacred days because we commercialize everything.”
Before he even finished speaking, Rock’s name became a trending topic on Twitter with fans ranging from all ends of the spectrum speaking out.
“Wonder if Chris Rock would be doing these jokes on SNL if his mother was in one of those buildings,” @SpudSpringer tweeted.
“I’m a devoted #SNL fan, but I’ve turned it off. After that monologue, nothing Chris Rock says or does will be funny,” @BrandelineB added.
“Chris Rock was an absolute disappointment on SNL tonight. Never going to the Freedom Tower in NYC?! Then shame on you,” @DManigPRPro tweeted.
But not all of the feedback was negative. Many viewers appreciated Rock’s edge and willingness to cross the boundaries of a formerly taboo topic.
“If we can’t joke about terrorism, then the terrorists win….shut up to anyone criticizing Chris Rock and #SNL,” @AaronBesonen tweeted.
“Chris Rock’s monologue on #SNL is what good comedy used to be, unafraid to offend; if you’re uncomfortable change the channel,” @Fcsnva added.
Watch the monologue above, and tell Us what you think!
