Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has said that Saturday Night Live’s new hire Shane Gillis should not be sacked for making a tasteless joke after a clip of him mocking Chinatowns resurfaced, setting Twitter alight.

Yang, a son of immigrants from Taiwan, struck a distinctly different tone from most online warriors when he said he would be “happy to sit down and talk” with Gillis about the ill-fated clip that resurfaced on Friday. The video shows the comedian tearing into Chinatowns and their inhabitants.

“Damn, Chinatown is f**king nuts,” Gillis says in the clip, referring to the ability of Chinese immigrants to build up their sprawling enclaves in the blink of an eye and without apparent opposition from the locals. “Let the f**king ch*nks live there.”

The clip, originally a part of Gillis’ and fellow comedian Matt McCusker’s September 2018 podcast, began making waves on Friday, sending Twitter into an uproar, with many calling on NBC to fire Gillis, a day after he was hired along with the first Chinese-American SNL cast member.

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Yang, on the other hand, called for tolerance at a moment when society is deeply divided across political and racial lines.

“I think we have, as a society, become excessively punitive and vindictive concerning people’s statements and expressions we disagree with or find offensive. I don’t think people should be losing jobs unless it’s truly beyond the pale and egregious,” Yang tweeted on Saturday.

I think we have, as a society, become excessively punitive and vindictive concerning people’s statements and expressions we disagree with or find offensive. I don’t think people should be losing jobs unless it’s truly beyond the pale and egregious. — Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) 15 сентября 2019 г.

The democratic presidential hopeful said that while he has endured racial abuse himself, including being called “ch*nk and g**k,” the comedian does not strike him as being “malignant or evil.”

“He strikes me as a still-forming comedian from central Pennsylvania who made some terrible and insensitive jokes and comments,” Yang said, adding that he hopes Gillis learns from his mistake.

But I took the time to watch and listen to Shane’s work. He does not strike me as malignant or evil. He strikes me as a still-forming comedian from central Pennsylvania who made some terrible and insensitive jokes and comments. — Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) 15 сентября 2019 г.

I understand those who have another point of view on this. Obviously the folks at NBC are the real decision-makers. But if I can forgive Shane, as the guy he called a slur, I hope others can as well. I also hope Shane is open to learning. We are all human, we’re all fallible. 👍 — Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) 15 сентября 2019 г.

I also hope Shane is open to learning. We are all human, we’re all fallible.

Facing backlash over the clip, Gillis released a statement saying he “sometimes misses” when “pushing boundaries.”

“If you go through my 10 years of comedy, most of it bad, you’re going to find a lot of bad misses. I’m happy to apologize to anyone who’s actually offended by anything I’ve said,” he said. The apology failed to placate the political correctness warriors, who denounced it as half-hearted and urged the show to terminating his contract.

For the record, I do not think he should lose his job. We would benefit from being more forgiving rather than punitive. We are all human. — Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) 14 сентября 2019 г.

Yang said that while he prefers comedy “that makes people think and doesn’t take cheap shots,” he would be “happy” to talk the issue through with Gillis.

For the record, I do not think he should lose his job. We would benefit from being more forgiving rather than punitive.

The post has since been liked over 21,000 times and provoked an avalanche of mixed reactions.

Many backed Yang, while others said despite his noble intentions, he is missing the point.

Apology and forgiveness. Part of us recognizing that we are all fallible human beings. This brings us together rather than further apart. This doesn’t excuse the poor choice, but allows us to move forward and gain a better understanding of each other. 👍❤️#HumanityFirst — Paul (@Paul08113166) 14 сентября 2019 г.

Yang you're reaching Jesus levels of forgiveness and grace. I don't know if I can agree with you completely on this one, but I definitely respect you and your viewpoint always. — AYEKAY. 🌍 (@ayekay) 14 сентября 2019 г.

I get Yang is trying to take the high road, but he's wrong."We're all human" plays if he slipped up once and then offered a REAL apology, not "sorry if anyone was offended".Gillis made a bunch of racist comments and didn't apologize for real! — Colin (@ColinJ1992) 15 сентября 2019 г.

@AndrewYang I was kinda hesitant at considering voting for you to be President of the United States, but after seeing how you treat people it shows me you care and that what I want from a president not just another politician who wants a position of power. I think you might have- — Generic name (@h56103568) 15 сентября 2019 г.

I think he should lose his job. There are plenty of talented people out there who aren't bigoted that can work at SNL. — SaveThisDemocracy (@Janhaislip) 15 сентября 2019 г.

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