Elon Musk revealed has Asperger’s syndrome during his hosting appearance on SNL
The Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder said during his opening monologue that he was “making history” as the first person with Asperger’s to host the show — or “at least the first to admit it.”
“I’m actually making history tonight as the first person with Asperger’s to host ‘SNL,'” Musk said. “Or at least the first to admit it. So I won’t make a lot of eye contact with the cast tonight. But don’t worry. I’m pretty good at running ‘human’ in emulation mode.”
Asperger’s syndrome, or AS, is one of a group of neurological disorders known as autism spectrum disorders. AS is considered to be on the mild end of the spectrum. Some people with AS often have difficulty with social interaction, engage in repetitive behavior, stand firm in what they think, and focus on rules and routines. Often, those diagnosed with the disorder have normal or above normal intelligence.
Monologue! 💫 @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/xeH1EOU79A
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) May 9, 2021
From THEHILL.com:
According to The Associated Press, Saturday’s disclosure may have been the first time Musk publicly admitted that he has the mild form of autism.
Deadline, however, noted that former “SNL” cast member Dan Aykroyd, who has said he was diagnosed with mild Asperger’s syndrome, hosted the show in 2003.
SNL’s decision to have Musk, one of the richest people in the world, as host was met with backlash on social media, with some of the show’s regular cast members highlighting the growing wealth disparity in America.
4.8 million people watched Elon Musk host ”Saturday Night Live”. That’s 1.2 million more than the show’s normal average of 3.6 million viewers
SNL has two original episodes left in the season. Keegan-Michael Key will host for the first time on May 15. Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit) will make her SNL hosting debut for the season finale on May 22.
Susan Saunders 5/10/21
