Returning from its two-week hiatus, June 13’s episode of The Nightly Show began with a news segment on the tragic shooting in Orlando on Sunday, June 12. After paying his respects, Wilmore switched gears, pointing out Trump’s commentary on the events. While poking fun at Trump, Wilmore’s commentary satirized his words, demonstrating how ridiculous it was to blame Islamic terrorism and Obama for the events.
Additionally, he called out the right wing media for refusing to use the word “gay” and for failing to address or acknowledge the hate crime when referring to the mass shooting. With a warm closing speech, Wilmore urged the LGBTQ community to continue to dance and to continue to love. And to never allow anyone to take that away.
Moving on, Wilmore addressed the scandal surrounding Beyonce’s clothing line, particularly rumors that her brand, Ivy Park, had been produced in a sweatshop. Bringing in Nightly Show contributor Grace Parra, Wilmore was disappointed to discover that Parra did not take the task seriously, opting to report as a mock E! reporter, instead of a news journalist like he had asked her to. The two proceeded to “argue,” with Wilmore eventually deciding to join in on the gossip angle as well.
The night’s panel featured Nightly Show contributors Robin Thede, Mike Yard and special guest Mychal Denzel Smith. Naturally, conversations covered the recent mass shooting in Orlando. Main points covered were gun control, the nature of the term “radical Islam,” the motivation behind the shooting and the effect on the LGBTQ community. Because of the serious nature of the attack, the discussion remained somber, paying respects to the club’s victims. The show closed with the panelists in overwhelming agreement with one another on the unnecessary tragedy of the event.