Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Elon Musk says he’s first person with Asperger’s syndrome to host SNL in opening monologue

Clémence Michallon
New York City
Sunday 09 May 2021 08:44 BST
Comments
Elon Musk says he is first person with Asperger’s to host SNL
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Elon Musk said he was the first person with Asperger’s syndrome to ever host Saturday Night Live in his opening monologue on the show.

The Tesla CEO made his hosting debut on 8 May, with Miley Cyrus as a musical guest. His monologue marked the first time he publicly discussed having Asperger’s syndrome, a condition which falls within the autism spectrum.

“It’s an honour to be hosting Saturday Night Live. I mean that,” Musk said. “Sometimes after I say something I have to say, ‘I mean that,’ so people really know that I mean it. That’s because I don’t always have a lot of intonational variation in how I speak – which I’m told makes for great comedy.”

He added: “I’m actually making history tonight as the first person with Asperger’s [syndrome] to host SNL. Or at least the first to admit it.”

However, shortly after, viewers began highlighting that this was an incorrect claim.

Musk added that he wouldn’t “make a lot of eye contact with the cast tonight” and joked: “But don’t worry, I’m pretty good at running human in emulation mode.”

Prior to the episode’s start, Musk’s partner, singer-songwriter Grimes, had teased her own appearance on the show, writing in an Instagram post: “Tune into SNL tonight to watch me try acting!”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in