Aimee Lou Wood, the star of HBO's acclaimed series The White Lotus, has voiced her displeasure regarding a recent impersonation of her character on the popular late-night show Saturday Night Live (SNL). The sketch, which aired on April 12, 2025, featured comedian Sarah Sherman parodying Wood's character, Chelsea, in a segment that drew sharp criticism from the actress.
In her Instagram Stories, Wood described the impersonation as "mean and unfunny," expressing her disappointment with the portrayal. She stated, "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?" Wood's comments reflect a broader concern about the nature of comedy and its impact on individuals being parodied.
The SNL sketch, titled "The White POTUS," primarily targeted political figures, including former President Donald Trump and his associates, but it was Wood's character that became the focus of ridicule. The portrayal included Sherman wearing exaggerated fake teeth and adopting a comically exaggerated accent. Wood remarked, "At least get the accent right seriously. I respect accuracy even if it’s mean," highlighting her desire for authenticity even in comedic contexts.
Following her backlash, Wood claimed she received "thousands" of supportive messages from fans and fellow actors who resonated with her sentiments about the sketch. She also mentioned that she had received apologies from the SNL team, although reports later suggested that no formal apology had been issued by the show itself. Instead, sources indicated that Wood may have heard from someone she knew on the show, as they felt no need to apologize for the parody, which poked fun at multiple people’s appearances.
In a twist, Sarah Sherman later reached out to Wood with a gesture of goodwill, sending her a bouquet of flowers. Wood shared a picture of the floral arrangement on her Instagram Stories, thanking Sherman for the beautiful gesture. This act seemed to mend some of the tension between the two, as Wood clarified that her grievances were directed at the show's concept rather than Sherman personally. "I’m not hating on her, I’m hating on the concept," she stated.
The sketch itself, while focusing on Wood’s character, was part of a larger comedic narrative that included various political caricatures. In one memorable moment, Jon Hamm, portraying Robert F. Kennedy Jr., quipped about removing fluoride from drinking water, leading to Sherman’s character responding cluelessly about what fluoride is. This exchange not only highlighted the absurdity of the sketch but also raised questions about the portrayal of Wood's character in the context of political satire.
While Wood's sister, Emily Wood, defended her publicly, the response from her co-stars in The White Lotus was less supportive. Walton Goggins, who played Chelsea's love interest, Rick, referred to the sketch as "smashing" in a since-deleted post, hinting at a possible rift between him and Wood, as they do not follow each other on social media.
Despite the controversy, Wood remains open to the nature of parody and satire. She acknowledged that while she enjoys being the subject of jokes, the execution must be thoughtful and respectful. "I don’t mind caricature – I understand that’s what SNL is. But the rest of the skit was punching up and I/Chelsea was the only one punched down on," she explained, emphasizing the need for balance in comedic portrayals.
The incident has sparked discussions about the ethics of comedy and the fine line between humor and insensitivity. Many fans have rallied behind Wood, appreciating her candidness and the way she addressed the issue. The backlash against the SNL sketch serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of comedy and the increasing sensitivity surrounding portrayals of individuals in the public eye.
As the dust settles, Aimee Lou Wood appears ready to move on from the incident, especially after the positive gesture from Sherman. The actress has expressed her desire to focus on her work and the upcoming projects she has in the pipeline, including her role in the third season of The White Lotus, which concluded recently.
In the end, this episode not only highlights the challenges faced by public figures in the entertainment industry but also underscores the importance of fostering a respectful dialogue around comedy. As Wood continues her career, she remains a figure of resilience and authenticity in an ever-changing media landscape.
