Chicago Comedy Scene Leads Wave Of Support For Suspended 'SNL' Writer Katie Rich

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 24, 2017 7:51PM

After Saturday Night Live writer Katie Rich was suspended indefinitely on Monday from the show for tweeting a joke about Barron Trump (a gag for which she has since apologized), the comedy scene where she cut her teeth has come out in full defense.

Rich, a writer with SNL since 2013, joked on Twitter on Friday that "Barron will be this country's first homeschool shooter." She has since deleted the tweet.

Via NYPost

Following a sustained uproar, Rich apologized on Monday.

But as several Change.org petitions to fire Rich continued to gather signatures and conservative media personalities called for her dismissal, folks associated with The Second City, where Rich trained and performed, and others in the local comedy scene galvanized around the #keepitrich hashtag, urging for her reinstatement.

Supporters pointed out the hypocrisy of such a stern-fisted approach from the very show that helped normalize Trump by allowing him to host. They aslo noted the seemingly endless amount of leeway the President has received from some corners for his inflammatory statements—which are rarely followed by an apology.

So if NBC makes the unwise decision to extend Rich's suspension in perpetuity, it looks like the comedy world that knows and loves her will offer her more than enough landing pad. Lets hope it doesn't come to that and they make the smart call to #keepkatierich.

[H/T Tribune]