Aimee Lou Wood, known for her breakout role in HBO's "The White Lotus," has publicly expressed her discontent with a recent sketch from "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) that parodied her character. The episode, which aired on April 12, 2025, featured a sketch titled "The White Potus," where Sarah Sherman portrayed Wood's character, Chelsea, in a manner that Wood found to be "mean and unfunny." In an Instagram story posted the following day, she shared her feelings about the portrayal, stating, "Such a shame cuz I had such a great time watching it a couple of weeks ago. Yes, take the piss for sure – that’s what the show is about – but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?"
The SNL sketch, hosted by Jon Hamm with musical guest Lizzo, primarily targeted Donald Trump and his inner circle, featuring cast members like James Austin Johnson as Trump, Chloe Fineman as Melania Trump, and Mikey Day as Donald Trump Jr. Jon Hamm also appeared as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., while Sherman donned exaggerated fake teeth and attempted a British accent to mimic Wood's character. One notable line from the sketch was Sherman's rendition of Chelsea asking, "Fluoride? What’s that?"
After posting her criticism, Wood received an overwhelming response from her followers, stating she got "thousands of messages" of support. Many fans echoed her sentiments about the sketch, with some commenting on how they felt the portrayal was unfair. In her Instagram stories, she noted, "On a positive note, everyone is agreeing with me about it so I’m glad I said something instead of going in on myself." She also shared a message from a fan who mentioned that Wood's smile made them feel more confident about their own appearance.
Wood's reaction to the SNL sketch comes amidst her reflections on self-image and confidence, particularly following a recent interview with British GQ. In that interview, she discussed her feelings of self-doubt during the filming of "The White Lotus," revealing that she had a conversation with a producer who informed her how hard creator Mike White fought for her casting. She recalled thinking, "HBO didn’t want me," which led her to spiral into a state of insecurity. However, she clarified in her Instagram story that no one at HBO had ever called her "ugly" and emphasized that her comments stemmed from her own insecurities.
In her Instagram story on April 13, Wood expressed that her feelings about the SNL sketch were not just a personal grievance but also a reflection of her ongoing struggle with imposter syndrome. She stated, "So to conclude today’s rant: @hbo — kind and supportive and never wronged me so leave them alone, @nbcsnl — mean." This statement underscored her appreciation for HBO while simultaneously critiquing SNL for their portrayal.
Following the backlash from Wood and her supporters, she later revealed that SNL had reached out to her with apologies. This acknowledgment from the show indicates a recognition of the impact their sketch had on her and highlights the sensitive nature of parody in the entertainment industry.
Despite the controversy, many viewers have taken to social media to express their opinions on the sketch, with comments ranging from praise for its humor to criticism for its perceived cruelty towards Wood. One viewer remarked, "This is GENIUS. The parallels are so obvious now in hindsight. But they did my poor Aimee Lou Wood so dirty!!" Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning how the show could treat her in such a manner.
Wood's experience serves as a reminder of the fine line that comedians walk when it comes to satire and parody. While comedy often aims to push boundaries and provoke thought, it can also lead to unintended harm, particularly when it involves real people and their identities. In this case, Wood's feedback highlights the need for sensitivity and consideration in comedic portrayals, especially when they involve personal characteristics like accents and physical appearance.
As the conversation surrounding the sketch continues, it remains to be seen how SNL will respond to the criticism and whether they will adapt their approach to future parodies. In the meantime, Wood's candidness about her feelings and her willingness to speak out against what she perceives as unfair treatment has resonated with many, sparking a broader dialogue about representation and respect in the entertainment industry.
In an era where social media amplifies voices and allows for immediate feedback, celebrities like Aimee Lou Wood are increasingly using their platforms to advocate for themselves and challenge narratives that they find harmful or reductive. Her experience with SNL illustrates the potential consequences of comedic portrayals and the importance of thoughtful engagement with the subjects of satire.
Ultimately, Wood's situation is a testament to the evolving landscape of comedy and the necessity for creators to be mindful of the impact their work can have on individuals and communities. As audiences demand more nuanced and respectful representations, the entertainment industry may need to rethink its approach to parody, ensuring that humor does not come at the expense of someone's dignity.
