In a recent Instagram outcry, Wood expressed her discontent with a Saturday Night Live sketch that exaggerated her physical features, pointing to a broader issue of misogyny in comedy.
Aimee Lou Wood Critiques SNL's Misogynistic Humor
Aimee Lou Wood Critiques SNL's Misogynistic Humor
Actress Aimee Lou Wood labels SNL's portrayal of her as mean-spirited, calling attention to misogynistic undertones.
Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in "The White Lotus," recently voiced her displeasure regarding a Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that parodied her using exaggerated prosthetic teeth. The actress expressed on Instagram that the caricature was "mean and unfunny," suggesting that the portrayal inflicted a form of misogyny by "punching down."
Wood stated that while she is not overly sensitive and appreciates humor when it is clever, her depiction didn’t meet this criterion. The sketch, which aired recently and featured characters from the show meeting with former US President Donald Trump, included cast member Sarah Sherman portraying Wood's character, Chelsea, with an exaggerated accent and pronounced fake teeth. Sherman's character made light of the actress's gap teeth with the line, "Fluoride? What's that?"
In her response, Wood clarified, "I have big gap teeth, not bad teeth," emphasizing that while humor is a part of SNL's style, the sketch crossed a line by only targeting her. She drew contrasts between the rest of the skit, which she felt was humorous, and her character, which she considered an unnecessary punch down.
Furthermore, she pointed out that the focus on her physical traits detracted from discussions of her work, adding a reflective note on societal norms regarding women and their appearances. "I don’t know if it was a man would we be talking about it this much?" she questioned, recognizing the disproportionate scrutiny faced by women.
Wood's sister, Emily, came forward to support her, calling her a "powerhouse" and expressing a protective sentiment regarding the backlash against Aimee. The conversation surrounding the sketch has sparked dialogue about the appropriateness of such humor in contemporary comedy, especially when it comes to women's representation.
As the discussion continues, SNL's approach to parody and humor will likely be re-evaluated in light of criticisms like Wood's, highlighting the need for sensitivity and nuance in comedic content.
