Aimee Lou Wood Critiques SNL's Misogynistic Sketch Portrayal

In an Instagram response, she stated that the sketch leaned into misogyny and failed to maintain a clever comedic touch.

Aimee Lou Wood, well-known for her role in HBO's The White Lotus, has made headlines after criticizing a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that lampooned her with exaggerated prosthetic teeth. In a candid series of Instagram posts, the British actress labeled the portrayal as "mean and unfunny," expressing that the show "punched down" at her in a way she found particularly concerning.

Wood's comments stemmed from a sketch that aired this past week, wherein SNL cast member Sarah Sherman depicted her character, Chelsea, from The White Lotus. The skit humorously imagined a scenario involving former President Donald Trump and his associates at a fictional resort, but centered heavily on Wood's distinct physical feature—her notable gap teeth. At one point in the skit, Sherman's character quipped with a line about fluoride, poking fun at the actress's dental characteristics.

The 31-year-old star, who gained visibility through her role in Netflix's Sex Education, asserted that while she embraces playful humor, especially when it's clever and light-hearted, this particular instance fell flat. She emphasized that there exists "a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way" to approach humor, particularly with subjects that touch on personal characteristics.

In her posts, she clarified that she believed SNL's overall comedic efforts typically engage in "punching up," but in this case, her character was the only one subjected to a punch down. “I have big gap teeth, not bad teeth,” Wood declared, distinguishing her perspective on the matter.

Drawing attention to the critique of Sherman's accent in the sketch, Wood remarked on the expectation for accuracy in comedy, even when it crosses into meanness. Showcasing a strong community response, she noted receiving "thousands of messages" in agreement with her viewpoint, further empowering her to voice her concerns.

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Wood reflected on how the discourse surrounding her teeth overshadowed other important discussions about her work-related achievements. She noted her mixed feelings about her gap teeth becoming symbolic in discussions of rebellion and freedom, while questioning if similar scrutiny would be applied if her appearance were not scrutinized within the context of gender.

As reactions continue to unfold, Wood's critique serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of sensitivity and depth in comedy and media portrayal.