Actress Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role as Chelsea in The White Lotus, recently addressed a Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that parodied her character. The segment, titled “The White Potus,” featured SNL cast member Sarah Sherman portraying Chelsea with exaggerated prosthetic teeth and a Mancunian accent. Wood described the portrayal as “mean and unfunny,” feeling it was a departure from the show’s usual clever satire.
Wood expressed her disappointment on Instagram, stating, “I did find the SNL thing mean and unfunny.” She acknowledged that while she appreciates satire, the sketch felt like “punching down” rather than the show’s typical “punching up.” She clarified that her criticism was directed at the concept of the sketch, not at Sarah Sherman personally.
Following Wood’s comments, SNL issued a rare apology, which she confirmed on social media, writing, “I’ve had apologies from SNL.” Wood received support from fans and celebrities, including Cara Delevingne and Jameela Jamil, who praised her for addressing the issue.
This incident highlights the delicate balance in comedy between satire and personal boundaries, sparking discussions about the impact of humor on public figures.