In a move that will no doubt irkPresident Trump, Samantha Bee will host an alternative gala on the same night as the annual White House Correspondents Dinner.
To avoid any confusion, Bees event is called the Not the White House Correspondents Dinner, which will take place April 29nd at the Willard Hotel, while the actual White House Correspondents Associations dinner is occurring two miles north at the Washington Hilton.
The evening is sure to bring plenty of surprises, music, food, and laughter and if youre not careful you just might learn something, Bee said in a statement (via Variety). Specifically, youll learn how screwed wed be without a free press. Proceeds from Not the White House Correspondents Dinner, which will air on TBS at some point, will go towards the Committee to Protect Journalists.
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In an interview with the New York Times, Bee likened the Not the White House Correspondents Dinner to a Trump roast. Were not trying to supersede it, Bee said of the WHCAs dinner. We just want to be there in case something happens or doesnt happen and ensure that we get to properly roast the president.
The idea to host an alternative gala arrived after Bee and her Full Frontal producers discussed whether there would even be a White House Correspondents Dinner at all this year. The WHCA dinner in 2011 was the site where then-President Obama and host Seth Meyers savagely teasing the attending Trump; its that incident that is often cited as what inspiredTrump to run for president.
The actual White House Correspondents Dinner has not yet announced its host, but if the inauguration was any indication, the WHCA is likely having difficulty filling the role. I honestly cant imagine what theyre thinking, but I really wish them well. I think thats going to be very challenging. Does 3 Doors Down do comedy? I dont know, maybe they do, Bee told the Times.