ENTERTAINMENT
SNL's Unfunny Joke: Aimee Lou Wood Speaks Out
Mon Apr 14 2025
Aimee Lou Wood, the British actress known for her role in The White Lotus season three, recently shared her thoughts on a Saturday Night Live sketch that poked fun at her character. The sketch, titled The White POTUS, swapped out characters from the show with figures from Donald Trump's presidency. James Austin Johnson played Trump, while Chloe Fineman portrayed Melania Trump with a Southern accent. Jon Hamm, the episode's host, played Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , who was paired with Wood's character, Chelsea, played by Sarah Sherman. Sherman, wearing fake teeth, had a brief role with a couple of humorous lines.
Wood took to Instagram to address the sketch, which she found to be unkind and not funny. She had previously mentioned in an interview that she found the sketch mean and unfunny. Many people agreed with her, reaching out to express their thoughts on the sketch's poor taste. Wood appreciated the feedback and wished the sketch had been more clever and nuanced. She also criticized the British accent Sherman used in the sketch, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, even in comedy.
The actress later revealed that she had received apologies from SNL. She did not specify who from the show had reached out to her. Wood's character, Chelsea, had a significant impact on viewers, with many reacting strongly to her poignant ending. In a post-finale interview, Wood discussed the overwhelming response to her character and the journey she had been on. She expressed a sense of rebirth and freedom, now that the show had ended. She was eager to move forward and embrace her own identity again, leaving behind the parts of her character that had held her back.
The White Lotus has been a hit show, with its third season set in Thailand. The show's unique setting and characters have captivated audiences, making it a popular topic of discussion. The SNL sketch, however, did not receive the same positive response, with many viewers agreeing that it was unkind and unfunny. Wood's open and honest discussion about the sketch has sparked a conversation about the importance of nuance and accuracy in comedy. It is a reminder that even in humor, there is a responsibility to be respectful and considerate of others.
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questions
Is it possible that the negative reception of the sketch was orchestrated to distract from other issues?
In what ways could the actors in the SNL sketch have portrayed the characters more respectfully while still achieving comedic effect?
What role does accuracy play in the effectiveness of a parody, and how might it have impacted the SNL sketch?