Amid controversy over the lack of diversity on Saturday Night Live, NBC has revealed Kerry Washington will host the show's Nov. 2 episode.
Washington stars in ABC's political thriller Scandal. She recently vied for the outstanding lead actress in a drama series Emmy award — had she taken home the prize, she would have been the first African-American to win the category.
See also: SNL's Kenan Thompson Under Fire for Comments on Black Female Comedians
SNL announced the news on Twitter, saying Eminem will also perform:
So excited to announce that @kerrywashington will be hosting the #Nov2 show with musical guest, @Eminem!! #SNL #CantWait!
— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) October 16, 2013
SNL has been embroiled in its own drama since the start of the season when the show introduced six new cast members, all of whom are white. With no black women in the cast, some wondered who would portray the world's many prominent black female celebrities in SNL skits.
The conversation intensified this week when SNL's Kenan Thompson said the lack of diversity stems, in part, from the shortage of black female comedians who are "ready" to enter the show's lineup.
Meanwhile, Edward Norton will host Oct. 26 with Janelle Monáe as musical guest.
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