Aimee Lou Wood, best known for her breakout role in The White Lotus season 3, has spoken out against a recent Saturday Night Live sketch that exaggerated and questioned her character. Taking to Instagram, the British actress described the sketch as “mean and absurd” and expressed her disappointment in the approach used by the long-running comedy show.
‘The White POTUS‘ and The Role of Satire
The controversial sketch, titled “The White POTUS,” put a political spin on the popular HBO series by setting President Donald Trump and his team in a fictional Thai resort. While the skit featured a mix of comedic impressions of political figures, Aimee Lou Wood became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. Her character, Chelsea, was portrayed using a pronounced accent and exaggerated dentures – a caricature that Wood believes crossed a line.
Wood Responds: ‘Not thin-skinned, but…’
In her response, Aimee Lou Wood stressed that even though she is drawn to parody, she believes the humor should be smart and respectful. “I’m not thin-skinned,” she said, “but the whole joke was about fluoride. I have big gaps in my teeth, not bad teeth.” She emphasized that while the rest of the sketch was about “punching upwards”, her character was the only one who was “punched down”, sparking a conversation about misogyny and double standards in comedy.
Focus on Appearance Over Talent
The parody also drew attention to how her physical appearance, particularly her teeth, have been the focus of media coverage since joining The White Lotus. In past interviews, Aimee Lou Wood has lamented the focus on her teeth, noting that it often overshadows discussions about her actual work. “I don’t know if it was a man, would we be talking about it so much?” she questioned, pointing to the ongoing scrutiny of women’s presence in the entertainment industry.
When Humor Crosses The Line
In the sketch, Aimee Lou Wood’s character responds to a joke about fluoride with a sly smile, clearly a reference to her well-known smile. While this may have been done in a light-hearted manner, it upset Wood and many fans, who felt the impersonation lacked tact and depth. The scene also featured a chaotic storyline involving political figures like RFK Jr., played by Jon Hamm, and several other high-profile characters, but it was Wood’s portrayal that stood out for all the wrong reasons.
Criticism targeted at concept, not performer
Despite the backlash, Aimee Lou Wood was careful not to direct her frustration at the performer, Sarah Sherman, who played her. “Not hating on her, hating on the concept,” she clarified, directing her criticism toward the writers and creative choices behind the sketch rather than the cast.
Wood’s stance supported by public response
In the days following her comments, Aimee Lou Wood shared that she had received “thousands of messages” in support of her stance and even received an apology from the SNL team. Many fans and viewers echoed her sentiments, criticizing the sketch for having changed from “sharp and funny” to “1970s misogyny.”
Redefining the conversation around women in comedy
As a rising star known for her strong, nuanced performances, Aimee Lou Wood has spoken openly about how people’s attention sometimes shifts from her talent to her looks. Her openness and honesty have only strengthened her connection with fans, many of whom appreciate her vulnerability and refusal to stay silent when something isn’t right.
Aimee Lou Wood: More than a parody
While parody and satire have long been pillars of sketch comedy, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about how comedians view physical features, particularly when it comes to women in the spotlight. Aimee Lou Wood’s response wasn’t just about a joke gone wrong — it was a reminder that comedy can be thoughtful, clever, and inclusive without being judgmental.
As The White Lotus continues to earn critical acclaim and draw attention to its eclectic cast, it’s clear that Aimee Lou Wood is more than capable of holding her own. With her talent, poise, and willingness to speak out, she’s not only proving to be a fan favorite, but also a voice worth listening to in the industry.
Also Read:- The Last of Us Season 2: What to Expect from the Emotional Return
