Aimee Lou Wood, the British actress known for her role in HBO's hit series The White Lotus, recently expressed her displeasure with a sketch from Saturday Night Live (SNL) that parodied her character, Chelsea. The segment aired on April 12, 2025, and featured SNL cast member Sarah Sherman portraying Wood's character with exaggerated fake teeth, a clear jab at Wood's appearance.
Following the episode, Wood took to her Instagram Story on April 13, where she criticized the impression as "mean and unfunny." She remarked, "I did find the SNL thing mean and unfunny xo," and emphasized that while she finds humor in satire, it should be executed with more thoughtfulness. Wood stated, "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 sketch, titled "The White POTUS," was a political satire that not only mocked her character but also took swipes at Donald Trump and his family. The cast included James Austin Johnson as Trump, Chloe Fineman as Melania Trump, Mikey Day as Donald Trump Jr., Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump, and Jon Hamm playing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a moment of the sketch, Sherman’s character responded to Hamm’s RFK Jr. with the line, "Fluoride? What’s that?"—a direct reference to Wood's dental features.
Wood's initial reaction to the sketch was one of disappointment, particularly because she had enjoyed watching SNL just weeks prior. In her Instagram updates, she shared that she received "thousands of messages" of support from fans agreeing with her sentiments about the portrayal. One fan pointed out that while other characters in the sketch were political figures being mocked, Chelsea was not, making the humor feel particularly targeted at her appearance.
In response to the backlash, SNL reportedly felt the pressure and issued apologies to Wood. She shared this news in her Instagram Story, stating, "I've had apologies from SNL." This acknowledgment from the show was a significant step, given the context of the parody and its impact on her.
Wood has been candid about her experiences with body image and the scrutiny surrounding her teeth. Earlier this month, she spoke to GQ, expressing her frustration with the focus on her appearance rather than her work. "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 said, highlighting the double standards often faced by women in the industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Wood noted how her experiences growing up, particularly regarding her mouth, have shaped her self-confidence. "Playing loads of different characters has really helped with my self-confidence surrounding beauty. I’ve had to surrender control a lot," she shared in a previous Instagram video. This candidness resonates with many fans who have rallied behind her during this latest controversy.
Despite the negative attention, the actress remains focused on her career, with The White Lotus set for a fourth season. HBO officially renewed the series in January, and production for the new season is expected to begin in 2026. Wood's involvement in such a successful series continues to elevate her profile, even as she navigates the complexities of public perception.
As the conversation around beauty standards and representation in media evolves, Wood's outspoken nature and willingness to address these issues head-on make her a significant voice in the industry. Her experiences reflect broader societal challenges, particularly for women, in how they are perceived and portrayed in popular culture.
In the wake of the SNL incident, it’s clear that while satire is a staple of late-night comedy, it also carries the responsibility of sensitivity, especially when it comes to personal attributes that individuals may already feel insecure about. Wood’s case serves as a reminder of the impact that humor can have and the importance of thoughtful execution in comedy.
As fans continue to support her, Wood's journey underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to humor, one that balances laughter with respect and understanding. With her talent and resilience, Aimee Lou Wood is poised to continue making waves in the entertainment industry, advocating for a kinder and more inclusive representation of beauty.
