30 Times SNL Made People REALLY Mad

30 Times SNL Made People REALLY Mad

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were looking at the SNL moments that sparked backlash or triggered people.

Moo Deng News Skit

During a Weekend Update segment, comedian Bowen Yang dressed up like the baby hippo Moo Deng to humorously lament the downside of sudden fame. It didnt end there. The comedian took it up a notch by linking Moo Dengs viral popularity to pop star Chappell Roans. It was a swing at satire, but it landed awkwardly for some viewers. Critics felt it was mocking Roans struggles, especially since she backed out of a festival to focus on her well-being. While some labelled it outright offensive on X, others felt the skit actually supported leaving celebrities alone. In a surprising twist, Roan herself later called the skit a harmless joke. Turns out, people didnt have to be so mad on her behalf.

The Depp-Heard Trial Parody

While Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were locked in their messy defamation trial, SNL jumped right in with a skit that didnt hold back. Styled like a live courtroom footage, it featured actors playing Depp, a judge, and their lawyers. In the hands of these actors, real allegations of abuse and trauma were reduced to an infamous poop in the bed incident. Naturally, the internet flared up. Some slammed it for turning a serious case into a joking matter, while others even accused it of blatant bias against Heard, who wasnt even depicted. With a trial this public and intense, turning it into a comedy sketch was bound to attract controversy. SNL probably knew what they were doing.

Charmin Bears

How wild is it that SNL dropped Charmin Bears just months after a YouTuber did almost the same thing? In July 2022, Joel Haver uploaded an animated video about a blue cartoon bear wanting to ditch the familys toilet legacy to pursue theatre. Fast-forward to October, SNL aired a skit with a suspiciously similar premise with just minor differences. While others saw it as just another SNL skit, Havers fans were quick to call it out. The backlash grew, especially since SNL has a not-so-great track record with plagiarism claims. Haver took the high road, saying it could be just a coincidence or subconscious inspiration, not a malicious theft. Hard to believe, right? Some viewers probably still dont buy it.

Temple Horses Plagiarism Controversy

In 2019, New York-based comedy duo Temple Horses - Nick Ruggia and Ryan Hoffman - accused Saturday Night Live of lifting ideas from their sketches. The first was their 2014 sketch featuring a pumpkin owner confronting customers about their inappropriate behavior with his pumpkins. Guess who rolled out a skit with a similar premise four years later? Yep, SNL. But that wasnt all. The pair also claimed that SNLs Pound Puppy sketch resembled their 2011 sketch. Both ideas present a fictional product that shields the eyes of pets during their owners intimate moments. When Ruggia and Hoffmans lawyer sent a letter to NBC highlighting the similarities, NBC claimed the ideas had been independently developed by writers. Just another uncanny case of parallel thinking, right?

Menendez Trial

Just like with the Depp-Heard trial, SNL couldnt resist jumping on the Menendez brothers case while public interest was still high-and emotions still raw. The sketch features John Malkovich as Lyle and Rob Schneider as Erik, while Mike Myers plays a TV reporter. In it, Lyle comically retracts his confession and blames the murder of his parents on imaginary brothers. Sure, it was meant to be funny, but to some, it was cold and tasteless. Critics felt the skit trivialized a sensitive issue that had to do with brutal murders and prolonged abuse. In 2024, the controversy flared again when SNL poked the Menendez brothers story anew, which some found distasteful yet again. They dont know when to quit, do they?

The White Lotus Parody

A joke might seem harmless, but when youre the target, it can hit pretty hard. In April 2025, SNL aired a political parody on HBOs hit show The White Lotus, but one part didnt sit right. In it, Sarah Sherman plays Aimee Lou Woods character, Chelsea, with ridiculously large fake teeth and an over-the-top British accent. Even for SNL, it felt like a cheap shot. Wood didnt find it funny. She took to her Instagram story to call the skit mean and unfunny. Fans rallied behind her, and the backlash began. Eventually, SNL apologized, and Sherman sent flowers to Wood. But still, maybe next time, leave peoples features out of comedy, especially when theyve openly shared how sensitive it is for them.

Alec Baldwin vs. the Scouts

Canteen Boy was a recurring SNL character in the 90s, played by Adam Sandler as a clueless man-child who never outgrows the Boy Scouts. During one Valentines Day episode hosted by Alec Baldwin, things got weird. Alec plays Mr. Armstrong, a scoutmaster who flirts and makes suggestive moves toward Canteen Boy - all played for laughs. Some viewers were creeped out by it, turning off the show mid-air. Even the Boy Scouts of America blasted it for making light of abuse. A disclaimer now appears in reruns of this sketch, clarifying that Canteen Boy is actually 27. But for some, its still a sour note. Even goofy jokes dont sit well, especially when they seem to tiptoe into predatory territory.

Waynes World vs. Chelsea Clinton

SNL has taken plenty of shots at Hillary Clinton over the years, but one sketch crossed a line she couldnt ignore. In a 1992 episode, Wayne and Garth listed the top 10 things they liked about Bill Clinton. One entry stood out for all the wrong reasons. This item named Chelsea basically made fun of the then-12-year-old Chelsea Clinton by implying she wasnt much to look at. It was mean-spirited and inappropriate, sparking instant backlash. Hillary even penned a letter to SNL creator Lorne Michaels expressing her disapproval. Mike Myers later wrote a letter of apology, and the joke was removed from reruns. Taking a shot at a public figure is one thing, but dragging their child into it? Thats just low.

The Nude Beach

Way back in 1988, SNL aired a skit that pushed the boundary of what was acceptable on TV at the time. In this skit, Matthew Broderick plays Doug, a newcomer to a nudist beach who feels self-conscious about his body. Meanwhile, other characters casually and repeatedly comment on each others genitalia. The skit even ends with a humorous song, repeating the word over and over. It was bound to ruffle some feathers, and it did. SNL reportedly received 46,000 letters, largely driven by a Christian nonprofit groups campaign. The fallout didnt stop there. The uproar also cost SNL major advertisers, proving once again that pushing buttons comes with a price.

The Claudine Longet Invitational

SNL didnt start pissing off people today- its been stirring the pot since 1976, barely a year after the show debuted. One of its earliest scandals came from a sketch poking fun at Claudine Longet, a French pop star accused of shooting her boyfriend, a ski legend. In this skit, skiers tumble down slopes while Saturday Night Live announcers jokingly blame each fall on Longets accidental shots. Around that time, Longet had just received a 30-day sentence for accidentally killing Spider Sabich. The public was outraged-and SNL dove right into the drama. Longets lawyer didnt find it funny. He sent SNL a cease-and-desist letter, and the sketch show was forced to offer its first on-air apology.

The Rise & Fall of Shane Gillis

The standup comedian and podcaster definitely wasnt the first SNL cast member to be fired from the show, even before ever appearing in an episode, but its safe to say that hes the most prominent. Slated to appear alongside Bowen Yang and Chloe Fineman ahead of SNLs 45th season premiere in 2019, Gillis was quickly ejected from the cast following accusations of making racist remarks on a podcast appearance a few years earlier. Gillis comedy career didnt suffer permanent damage, and he was even invited to host SNL during its 49th season in 2024.

Tim Tebow, Jesus, & Everything In Between

If youll recall, the former Denver Broncos superstars signature move is literally kneeling in prayer. This made him a ripe target for SNL, which poked fun at the quarterbacks devout Christianity in 2011. The sketch itself was fairly tame, with cast member Jason Sudeikis portraying a version of Jesus visiting the Broncos' dressing room. However, the response from the Christian community was far from gracious. Veteran televangelist Pat Robertson and Fox News analyst Bob Beckel were among those who criticized the comedy show for its perceived blasphemy. Expanding on the issue, Beckel opined that theres nothing funny about commercializing Christianity.

Woody Harrelson Uses SNL As a Soapbox

The outspoken multiple Oscar nominee is no stranger to controversy. Once arrested in Kentucky for planting hemp seeds, it might not come as a total surprise that Harrelson found himself the subject of backlash following remarks made during his 2022 SNL monologue. The actor and former Cheers star quickly veered into conspiracy theory territory, metaphorically referring to the American government as a cartel forcing drugs (in this case, the COVID-19 vaccine) onto an unsuspecting public. Having previously been criticized for promoting such conspiracies on his social media accounts, Harrelson was roundly reprimanded for spreading disinformation.

Trying to Tackle the Try Guys

You guys remember this, right? It was all over the Internet in September 2022. The Try Guys, a group of four male YouTubers, were rocked by scandal when it was revealed that Ned Fulmer, one of their members, had had an affair with one of their production companys employees. The fallout sent shockwaves across the web as fans tried to reconcile their squeaky-clean image with Fulmers betrayal. Of course, SNL had to cover it in some way, but still caught serious flak for it. Writing for Mashable, Elizabeth de Luna chastised the show for condoning brazen workplace misconduct and [m]isunderstanding the Try Guys brand and fandom.

Dave Chappelles Monologue Results in Backlash

Ever the provocateur, Chappelle on SNL is always must-see TV. Having previously hosted two episodes following major U.S. electoral events, both admirers and detractors eagerly awaited his takes. However, his November 2022 hosting appearance took a slightly different turn, focusing on other recent news. In his somewhat bizarre and disjointed monologue, the notorious comedian addressed then-recent accusations of anti-Semitism directed at Kanye West and NBA player Kyrie Irving. Chappelle faced criticism from Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt for lacking sensitivity and nuance, as well as for not strongly disavowing the mens remarks.

Safelite AutoGlass

For the uninitiated, Safelite was probably the last company anyone would expect the show to poke fun at, considering their main business is selling and fixing car windshields. The premise of a 2017 sketch parodied Safelites previous commercials, with Beck Bennett portraying a Safelite technician who uncomfortably hits on a customers underage daughter in progressively creepier ways. Safelite responded negatively on Twitter, expressing disappointment at the shows portrayal of its employees and calling it not cool. In response, NBC swiftly but quietly removed the clip from all of its official platforms.

The ADL Takes Issue with a Cold Open

When a show tackles hot-button issues on a weekly basis, its bound to rile some people up. On December 5th, 2023, the United States Congress held a hearing about anti-semitism on American college campuses in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, and subsequent related protests. On December 9th, SNL began with a parody of this hearing, with cast member Chloe Troast portraying U.S. representative Elise Stefanik. The sketch took aim at Stefanik and the Republican Party at large for being vocal about this issue, but choosing to remain silent about other, similar topics. SNL took heat on social media from the Anti-Defamation League, New York Post, and Republican politicians about their handling of the issue.

ISIS Recruitment Sketch

Did anyone see where this one was going when they first saw it? Host Dakota Johnson and SNL cast member Taran Killam play a dad-daughter duo; Killam is seemingly dropping Johnsons character off at college in a parody of a 2015 Super Bowl ad for Toyota. When a truck full of arms-toting ISIS militants pulls up, its pretty clear that Johnsons not going to college. SNL audiences didnt quite warm up to this absurd, heightened spoof that leans heavily into dark comedy. The sketch was roundly criticized by social media users, with one person writing on Twitter (now X): I say this as a life long #SNL fan. The ISIS commercial was in poor taste. Scratch that. Horrible taste.

Gen Z Hospital

Billionaire businessman Elon Musk is a divisive public figure, to say the least his SNL hosting gig on May 8, 2021 was no less polarizing than one would expect. While Musks comedic chops received predictably mixed reviews, one sketch in particular stood out with regard to the controversy it raised. Viewers were critical of Gen Z Hospital for its attempt to satirize contemporary trends; beyond that, the sketch came under fire for its perceived attacks on African-American Vernacular English. Michael Che, who claimed credit for writing Gen Z Hospital, responded via social media, stating that he was unaware of the terms existence and insisting he meant no offense.

Pete Davidson vs. Dan Crenshaw

Who ever said SNL never had an effect on American politics? Okay, maybe no one ever said that, but it is slightly amusing to think that this Weekend Update segment is likely what got congressman Dan Crenshaw elected. As part of a bit in which Davidson roasted GOP hopefuls who were up for 2018s midterm elections, the King of Staten Island star referred to the then-candidate Crenshaw as, well a hitman in a porno movie. Left- and right-wing publications alike criticized Davidson for mocking not only a military veteran, but a person with a disability. Crenshaw later appeared on the show to roast Davidson right back, after which the comedian apologized.

President Trump Airs His Grievances Via Twitter

It is a never-ending cycle SNL and Alec Baldwin mock Donald Trump during a skit, prompting the President to rage on Twitter. In turn, this provides SNL material for a future sketch, ensuring they never run out of jokes to make at Donald Trump's expense. Eventually, this cycle went meta, resulting in Donald Trump blasting SNL on Twitter about a skit making fun of how Trump uses the platform. Baldwin would play the role until 2020, at which point incoming cast member (and viral Trump impressionist) James Austin Johnson filled his shoes.

Adrien Brody Goes Jamaican

After winning an Oscar for his fantastic turn in Roman Polanski's The Pianist, Adrien Brody seemed to try everything in his power to squander that momentum. Besides giving Halle Berry an impromptu kiss at the Oscars, the talented actor's improv skills were put to question on Saturday Night Live. While hosting a 2003 episode, Brody dawned fake dreadlocks and tried out a Jamaican accent before introducing reggae musician Sean Paul. Brody has yet to re-host SNL, suggesting that Lorne Michaels was far from impressed.

When Down Syndrome Was the Punchline

Humor works best when it is at the expense of someone else. So, over the years, Saturday Night Live has poked fun at nearly everyone. Still, why Down Syndrome? The Danny's Song skit centers around a group of friends sitting at a bar fondly reminiscing about a few unsavory memories. Jon Colman, the CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, wrote a scathing letter to Lorne Michaels; criticizing the sketch as insensitive and derogatory. NBC replied with an apology and thanked Colman for sharing his concerns with them.

Martin Lawrence

Nowadays, it might be hard to believe, but there was a time when Martin Lawrence owned Hollywood. The Martin series was hugely popular, and he even made the jump to the big screen with Bad Boys and Nothing to Lose. Despite being one of the hottest comedians of the 90s, Lawrence was banned from SNL due to an offensive monologue delivered while hosting a 1994 episode. The rambling intro spends an absurd amount of time lambasting women for not taking proper care of themselves, prompting SNL to ban the comedian.

Tiger Woods Sketch Mocking Domestic Violence

Mocking Tiger Woods is perfectly fine Saturday Night Live would have been crazy to not write a skit after the infidelity scandal broke out. During 2009's Thanksgiving weekend, Elin Nordegren chased her husband with a golf club before Woods crashed his car and was temporarily knocked out. While Florida Highway Patrol found no evidence of domestic violence, SNL turned it into the punchline, with Kenan Thompson's Tiger Woods trying to excuse his progressively worsening injuries. The sketch was criticized for suggesting that domestic violence is funny when the husband is the victim.

David Spade Mocks Eddie Murphys Career

Celebrities and politicians are fair game, but you should never throw one of your own under the bus. David Spade and Lorne Michaels learned that the hard way when a brief Hollywood Minute segment ruined the show's relationship with Eddie Murphy. SNL owes a lot to the legendary comedian, which explains why Murphy was shocked and hurt when Spade joked that his career was on the downturn. After two commercial misses, the last thing Eddie Murphy needed was for his ex-employer to kick him while he was down. 20 years later, they finally put their bad blood to bed.

Djesus Uncrossed

Christopher Waltz is Jesus H. Christ in Djesus Uncrossed. The trailer spoofs Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained and Inglourious Basterds by portraying a renegade version of Jesus who is out for revenge against the Romans who killed him. In the twist of the decade - a few religious groups did not take kindly to this over-the-top depiction of their Lord and Savior. SNL angered both Muslims and Christians, prompting the Council on American-Islamic Relations to publicly lambast Djesus Uncrossed as distasteful and disrespectful. We doubt anyone involved was surprised by the outrage.

Laughing at a New York Governor with a Visual Disability

Over the decades, Saturday Night Live has supplied great satire on America's political system, but their Governor Paterson sketch is not one of them. Since the politician is legally blind, Paterson does require assistance with some tasks, but is otherwise self-sufficient. SNLs portrayed the Governor as a Mr. Magoo type character, stumbling into and ruining a few different skits. The Governor was not pleased with the gag, explaining that it perpetuates the stereotype that the visually impaired cannot carry out even the most basic of functions.

Norm Macdonald Angers NBC Executive Don Ohlmeyer

Lorne Michaels tends to have complete control over the comings and goings of SNLs cast, but there was a time when it was taken away from him. During the O.J. Simpson trial, SNL was known for portraying the Naked Gun actor as guilty, including remarks leveled by Norm Macdonald during his Weekend Update segment. Rumors suggest that these jokes annoyed Don Ohlmeyer - NBC's West Coast Division president and Simpson's friend - leading to the comedian's dismissal. Macdonald definitely believed this was the case, but it was never outright confirmed.

Sinéad O'Connor Takes on the Pope

Even after all these years, this still easily stands out as Saturday Night Lives most infamous moment. Sinéad O'Connor had already garnered a reputation as a musician who is willing to rock the boat, but that was taken into overdrive in 1992. After performing a cover of Bob Marley's War, the singer tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II while demanding that people fight the real enemy. The moment did not help O'Connor's career and Joe Pesci jokingly threatened physical violence during the next SNL episode. OConnor would eventually gain support following the exposure and acknowledgement of the churchs abuse and her 2023 death.

What other SNL skits went too far? Let us know in the comments section.