Michael Che publicly apologized to Scarlett Johansson during the SNL Season 50 finale for his vulgar roast beef joke. Watch the hilarious revenge moment, read Johansson’s reaction, and see fan responses.
Michael Che’s Apology to Scarlett Johansson on SNL: A Viral Moment of Revenge
The Saturday Night Live Season 50 finale delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the year when Michael Che issued a cringe-worthy apology to Scarlett Johansson for a crude joke he made about her months earlier. The segment, part of the show’s infamous “Weekend Update” joke swap, left audiences in stitches and cemented Johansson’s triumphant return as host .
The Infamous Roast Beef Joke
During SNL’s December 2024 holiday episode, Che wrote a joke for Colin Jost to read live:
“Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu. But I ain’t trippin’. I’ve been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid.”
The punchline, comparing Johansson’s anatomy to deli meat, shocked even the Black Widow star, who was caught on camera backstage reacting in horror: “Oh my god! Holy s**!”* 711. In a March 2025 InStyle interview, Johansson called the joke “so vulgar… old-school gross” and admitted she nearly fainted when cameras surrounded her for the reaction shot .
The Apology: Che’s Humiliating Comeuppance
Months later, Johansson got her revenge. During the May 17 finale, Che—reading a script written by Jost—summoned her to the Weekend Update desk for a faux apology:
“Last time we did jokes live, I made Colin do some tasteless jokes comparing your vagina to Costco roast beef… The fact is, I was just lashing out because I’m jealous. I’ve never even seen a human vagina. And notice I said ‘human,’ because I once spent the summer on a farm.”
The bit escalated as Che added, “Maybe I’m just embarrassed about my own body. I can’t even take my hoodie off during sex because I have more nipples than a pregnant dog”—a line that left Johansson smirking and replying, “Yes, I have heard that about you.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Frenzy
The moment went viral, with fans praising Johansson’s poise and Jost’s revenge script. Twitter erupted with clips of the exchange, including SNL’s official post of the segment (watch here) 8. Highlights from social media:
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“Scarlett shaking her head at their boyish banter is peak comedy.
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“This is Colin’s best material for Che—no question.
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“Nothing beats SNL joke swaps. This was unhinged brilliance.
Behind the Scenes: Johansson’s Plot for Payback
Johansson had hinted at retaliation in a May 2025 Vanity Fair profile, teasing:
“I feel like it’s almost my responsibility to burn Michael back. Retaliation should be expected.
Her revenge was a masterstroke, blending cringe humor and camaraderie. The episode closed with Jost handing her flowers and a kiss—proof that even the most outrageous SNL feuds end in laughter .
Final Takeaway:
The joke swap tradition remains SNL’s riskiest—and most rewarding—bit. As Che proved, even the crudest jokes can lead to unforgettable TV moments. For fans, it’s a reminder: never cross Scarlett Johansson.
