Finding a black woman for ‘SNL’ is a priority, Lorne Michaels says

Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Light Live,� which has come under fire in recent weeks for its historic lack of female black cast members, is addressing the issue.

Michaels said he is focused on finding an African American female cast member for the NBC series, but he did not specify how soon it would happen.

“It’s not like it’s not a priority for us,� Michaels said in an interview with the Associated Press on Thursday. “It will happen. I’m sure it will happen.�

PHOTOS: Celebrities by The Times

The furor, which erupted when cast member Jay Pharoah complained last month that the show was too white, has intensified in the last few weeks since the announcement that “Scandal� star Kerry Washington, who is black, will host Saturday’s installment.

Although the timing of Washington’s appearance might be tied to the controversy, the show has been talking to her since last spring about a hosting gig.

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