Saturday Night Live’s ‘White POTUS’ Parody Sparks Backlash From White Lotus Star Aimee Lou Wood
Saturday Night Live’s latest satirical swing—a spoof titled “The White POTUS”—has left pop culture abuzz and one notable star upset. Parodying HBO’s critically acclaimed series The White Lotus, SNL replaced the glitzy Sicilian setting with a political backdrop, weaving in a satirical take on the Trump family and the current political climate. The result? A storm of reactions from die-hard fans and, most vocally, Aimee Lou Wood, who stars as Chelsea in The White Lotus’ third season.
The SNL sketch pulled no punches, transposing the infamous Ratliff family drama into a “Trumpified” universe. Chloe Fineman’s over-the-top Melania Trump set the tone, joined by James Austin Johnson’s brooding Donald Trump, while guest stars Scarlett Johansson, Mikey Day, and Jon Hamm completed the comedic ensemble. While SNL is known for its sharp-edged satire, it was Sarah Sherman’s portrayal of Wood’s character, Chelsea, that ignited an immediate response from the actress herself.
Wood openly expressed her displeasure on Instagram Stories, writing: “I did find the SNL thing mean and unfunny.” She noted that while satire has its place, “there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?”—a sentiment echoed by an outpouring of supportive fans. Wood even shared private DMs agreeing with her criticism, adding, “At least get the accent right, seriously. I respect accuracy even if it’s mean.” Within hours, Wood confirmed that SNL had reached out to apologize.
The sketch lampooned several White Lotus and Trump family traits, poking fun at scandals, family drama, and—most controversially—the gap teeth and northern English accent that have come to define Wood’s Chelsea. The choice struck a nerve; as Wood has discussed previously, commentary about her teeth has often overshadowed her work. In a GQ interview, she reflected, “It makes me really happy that it’s symbolizing rebellion and freedom, but there’s a limit. The whole conversation is just about my teeth, and it makes me a bit sad because I’m not getting to talk about my work.” She also questioned whether this scrutiny would be as intense if she were male.
The conversation has since exploded beyond the SNL stage, resonating with broader issues around celebrity culture, body image, and the boundaries of satire. While SNL’s parody was designed for laughs and political commentary, the backlash reveals how easily humor can land as “mean” rather than “clever,” especially when targeting personal features of public figures. Notably, Wood’s openness has spurred a wave of public support and prompted reflection about the line between parody and ridicule in entertainment.
As debates swirl about comedic license and sensitivity, one thing is clear: SNL’s “White POTUS” didn’t just spoof a television show; it sparked an important conversation about how we laugh—and at whose expense. Do you think SNL crossed the line, or is this just the nature of satire in 2024? Leave your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion!
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