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Did a chimp attack Jason Bateman on 'SNL'? Fans say there's a reason why 'monkeys are not on live shows'

The ‘Arrested Development’ actor recalled the story of the monkey who tried to bite his face during the credits of the first episode he hosted

Jason Bateman hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time since 2005 and he started off with a monologue going down memory lane. Bateman discussed a sketch from his first ‘SNL’ hosting gig which starred a chimpanzee. 

The ‘Arrested Development’ actor told the story of the monkey who tried to bite his face during the credits of the episode. "They hate that humans have faces and they want to remove them," he said, insisting that he was telling a true story. Footage from the episode backed him up and Bateman poked fun at the show's past cast members — including Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph — for seemingly not caring about the monkey “attacking” him.

The official Twitter handle of SNL tweeted the video writing, “Something kinda weird happened the first time Jason Bateman hosted.”

Five years ago the 'Ozark' actor hosted ‘SNL’ for the first time alongside musical guest Kelly Clarkson. This week's musical guest was country star Morgan Wallen who is known for his hits ‘Chasin’ You’ and ‘Whiskey Glasses’. Morgan had originally been slated for the second episode of the 46th season but was dropped after breaking Covid-19 safety protocols for the NBC variety sketch series. Wallen was replaced by Jack White for that episode. 

Fans took to Twitter to share their opinions on the incident that scarred Bateman and the fact that Bateman has gotten hotter with age. “I tweeted 15 minutes ago I was going to bed but...Jason Bateman. you’re just too perfect. this episode was too perfect,” wrote a fan. “Have I been in lockdown too long or is Jason Bateman getting even hotter as he ages?” wrote another.

Calling the episode one of the best in decades a fan of the show wrote, “#SNL S46 E7 w host Jason Bateman was the best SNL in decades! The consistent high caliber of the skits (except that last one) reminded me of the original cast days. & yes, I’ve been watching since the start.”

Comparing Bateman to Paul Rudd another comment read, “Jason Bateman is one of those people who just gets better with age. Like Paul Rudd, a safe bet, uber dad, who ya reckon is just a little freaky in private!” Another sweet comment read, “I’ll be honest. I keep this to myself but I struggle a lot irl and tonight was a really bad night. But this, the cast, crew and the lovely Jason Bateman made me feel so loved. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart”

A few people also took offense to a monkey being used in a live sketch show. One comment read, “Yeah, monkeys shouldn’t be used on live sketch comedy shows or any shows for that matter. Just saying.” Another comment read, “You can't bend over or go down to a monkey's level, it is a sign of subservience to them. When you are filming, you are normally not allowed to have children nearby because they might be attacked for the same reason.”

'Saturday Night Live' airs at 11.30 pm ET on NBC.