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Aimee Lou Wood Slams "Mean" SNL Sketch: “Misogynistic and Unfunny”
Aimee Lou Wood, the actress known for her role in The White Lotus, has expressed her frustration with a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that impersonated her. She described the portrayal as “mean,” “unfunny,” and “misogynistic.”
Wood took to social media to share her thoughts on the SNL parody that aired this week. The sketch featured comedian Sarah Sherman portraying her character from The White Lotus, Chelsea, using exaggerated prosthetic teeth and a thick accent. The bit also included a line where the character asks, "Fluoride? What's that?" in a direct reference to Wood's widely discussed gap teeth.
Although Wood understands that SNL often relies on exaggerated caricatures for humor, she felt that this particular sketch was different. In a post on Instagram, she explained, “I’m all for being made fun of when it’s clever and in good spirits, but there has to be a smarter, more nuanced way to do it.” Wood further criticized the sketch for “punching down” on her character, suggesting that it took aim at someone with less power or influence, which, in her view, reflected a dated and misogynistic view of women.
Watch the controversial SNL sketch featuring Sarah Sherman’s portrayal of Aimee Lou Wood’s character, Chelsea, by clicking the video below.
The Backlash: Why Aimee Lou Wood Felt Targeted
The portrayal of Wood’s character, Chelsea, in The White Lotus has attracted significant attention, primarily focused on her gap teeth. While many fans of the show have praised her for her performance, Wood admitted in interviews that the conversation surrounding her teeth can sometimes overshadow her acting talent. In a GQ interview, she opened up about how constantly discussing her appearance made her “a bit sad,” as it diverted attention from her work.
Wood added, “I’m thrilled that my gap teeth have become a symbol of rebellion and freedom, but after a while, it feels like there’s a limit. Why are we still talking about my appearance, especially in such a negative light? If I were a man, would this still be happening?”
In her Instagram posts, Wood clarified that she wasn’t attacking Sarah Sherman, the SNL performer who played her. Rather, she was critical of the underlying concept of the sketch, which she believed used her appearance as a punchline, rather than making an insightful or clever comment about her character.
The Response: Apologies from SNL
After Wood’s social media outburst, she revealed that she received a personal apology from the SNL team. While it’s unclear exactly what the apology entailed, Wood expressed gratitude for the gesture but emphasized that the larger issue still needed attention. “I’m not upset with Sarah Sherman. She was just doing her job,” Wood wrote. “But the concept behind the sketch was where it missed the mark for me.”
In a follow-up comment, Wood acknowledged that parody and caricature are a part of SNL's comedic tradition but insisted that not all targets are fair game. “I’m not thin-skinned, and I know SNL is about satire. But making fun of someone’s appearance, especially in a way that feels like punching down, isn’t clever or funny to me.”
How The Sketch Targeted Women’s Appearance
For Wood, the issue wasn’t just about her teeth but how the sketch reflected a larger cultural tendency to scrutinize women’s looks in a way that men are rarely subject to. She shared a comment from a follower who described the sketch as “sharp and funny” but noted that it “took a screeching turn into 1970s misogyny,” which she agreed with wholeheartedly.
Wood’s public outcry about the sketch also raised concerns about the line between comedy and harmful stereotypes. She argued that when women’s appearances become the central focus of comedy, it often perpetuates outdated and damaging stereotypes about women’s value being tied to their physical features.
What’s Next for Aimee Lou Wood?
Despite her frustration with the SNL sketch, Wood has received overwhelming support from fans who agree with her criticism. She also reflected on how the conversation about her teeth, while initially empowering, often detracts from her acting career.
In recent interviews, Wood emphasized her desire to be seen for her work rather than her appearance. “I want to be celebrated for what I do on screen, not just what I look like,” she said. “The narrative around women’s looks, especially in Hollywood, is so limiting.”
As Wood continues to build her acting career, she hopes that the conversation will shift toward discussing her performances rather than her gap teeth. She’s not the only one pushing back against superficial commentary—many women in Hollywood are challenging how they are portrayed, demanding that their talents be recognized instead of their appearances.
