The comedian first announced the news during a comedy show at Union Hall in Brooklyn Wednesday (July 31), during which she revealed a number of surprising details about her time on the show, per The New York Times . She later confirmed that she would be leaving before the new season premieres in the fall in a video on social media.
“I just want to let you know after four seasons, I will not be returning to SNL for the 50th,” Johnson said.
She explained in the video, “Last night, I had a Punkie and Friends show, and since there was some SNL cast and writers at the show, I opened up the floor for questions. And everything was going fine, until somebody asked, ‘What are you looking forward to most next season?’ I don’t remember the exact question, all I heard was, ‘Me and next season.’ I’m not going to lie to my friends, so I just said, ‘Oh, I ain’t coming back.’”
The comedian explained she “woke up” to several text messages and calls from people about the news, but she maintains, “I was just having fun. It’s no bad blood, it’s no bridges burned, it’s no hard feelings.”
During the show, Johnson had also claimed that she reportedly clashed with some of the SNL crew leading up to her decision to leave.
They allegedly asked that she change her hair and stop working out so she didn’t look “buff,” according to the Times . The outlet notes that she also mentioned getting into a “heated argument” with a producer.
“Bro, I love my people. I ain’t think none of this was going to be a big deal,” she said, before quipping, “See this is why Dave Chappelle make people lock up they phones.”
She continued, “ SNL was a dream I didn’t even know that I could achieve. Man, I was a part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy, and I am so grateful for it. That’s still my people, I love them.” But she was certain her “time there has come to an end.”
Johnson joined the cast in 2020 for Season 46 before later being promoted to repertory cast ahead of Season 48. Per Deadline , Johnson was the show’s eighth Black female cast member and only the second Black LGBTQ+ woman to join to the show since Danitra Vance.
The comedian did not share what’s next for her in her career, but she’s acted in several shows and movies including Bottoms , Space Force , and A Black Lady Sketch Show .
Johnson’s exit comes ahead of Season 50, which premieres on NBC Sept. 28.
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