Devon Walker shares reasons for calling SNL ‘toxic’ following his exit

Devon Walker’s Departure from SNL

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Devon Walker recently opened up about his experience on the show, describing it as “toxic.” This revelation came after he shared a controversial message on Instagram about his departure following last week’s episode.

Walker, who joined SNL in 2022 and became a main cast member the following year, reflected on his three years with the program. He noted that while the experience had its moments, it was marred by significant dysfunction. He stated, “Sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell,” indicating a mix of emotions regarding his time on the show.

He expressed concerns about how cast members were treated, particularly around job security during crucial life decisions, like starting a family or buying a home. Walker emphasized the need for more transparency from the show regarding cast members’ employment statuses, pointing out that many rely on these roles to support themselves.

As he clarified, his exit was a mutual decision with the producers, rather than a termination. Walker underscored that the show could benefit from a greater dose of humanity amidst its business-oriented practices. He added, “We are humans. We have food on the table. Some of us support others in our lives.”

Despite the challenges, Walker remains hopeful for future improvements within the show. His comments have sparked discussions about the treatment of cast members and the culture behind the scenes at SNL, with many echoing his thoughts on the importance of clarity and support for the people involved in the production.