SNL issued a rare apology after facing backlash for a ‘mean’ sketch mocking Donald Trump’s controversial, eye-watering tariffs.
Recently, the popular show Saturday Night Live (SNL) found itself in hot water after airing a sketch that many viewers deemed offensive.
The sketch poked fun at former President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have been a topic of heated debate.
Following viewer backlash, SNL issued a rare apology to actress Aimee Lou Wood, who was featured in the skit.
SNL sparks debate with sketch mocking Trump’s tariffs
The controversial sketch aired on April 12 and was a parody of the HBO series “White Lotus”.
In the skit, various cast members impersonated Trump and his family, including his wife Melania and children Donald Jr., Eric, and Ivanka.
The parody aimed to highlight Trump’s tariff policies and the effects they could have on the economy.
In one scene, Melania, played by Chloe Fineman, expressed concern about America losing respect globally.
“Can you imagine if America lost all its money and no-one in the world respected us anymore?”
The humor took a sharp turn when another character, mimicking Wood’s role in “White Lotus”, made a joke about fluoride that referenced her teeth.
Wearing fake teeth, the character said: “Fluoride? What’s that?”
This comment was perceived as mean-spirited by many, including Wood herself.
Aimee Lou Wood responds to the joke
Aimee Lou Wood took to social media to express her feelings about the joke.
She stated that she found the comment about her teeth to be “mean and unfunny.”
Wood clarified that while she enjoys clever humor, this particular joke crossed a line.
On Instagram, she wrote: “I am not thin skinned. I actually love being taken the piss out of when it’s clever and in good spirits. But the joke was about fluoride. I have big gap teeth, not bad teeth.
Wood shared her thoughts, explaining that she doesn’t mind caricatures as long as they are done in good spirit.
However, she felt the sketch unfairly targeted her.
“I don’t mind caricature – I understand that’s what SNL is. But the rest of the skit was punching up and I/Chelsea was the only one punched down.”
SNL forced to say sorry for controversial sketch mocking Trump’s tariffs amid heated criticism
After the backlash, SNL issued an apology to Wood.
This kind of response is not common for the show, which is known for its edgy humor.
The apology acknowledged that the joke was inappropriate and that they did not intend to offend Wood or anyone else.
Fans of Wood quickly rallied around her on social media.
Many praised her for embracing her natural smile and criticized the sketch for promoting negative stereotypes about appearance.
“You’ve obviously made an enormous number of people happy by not changing your teeth.
Wood jokingly replied: “I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having. The Americans can’t believe it”.
Social media reactions
One user said: Nothing is funnier than the insanity from this administration no need to apologize
The second user wrote: No need to apologize to anyone, I find humor in every presidential skit you do.
The third user commented: SNL used to be funny.
The fourth user wrote: It’s SATIRE! No need to apologize.
Another user said: Well haven’t seen the skit but my gut reaction is you can’t go to far with the Frumper…FTP
Someone added: Well….truth hurts! It’s his turn to be embarrassed, ridiculed, and hurt!