Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang is speaking out in support of actress Aimee Lou Wood following backlash over a recent SNL sketch that left her feeling hurt and targeted.
The controversy began after SNL aired a sketch titled The White POTUS on April 12, parodying HBO’s hit show The White Lotus. The skit featured cast member Sarah Sherman portraying Aimee’s character, Chelsea, with exaggerated features — notably, a prosthetic tooth that resembled Wood’s real-life dental structure.
For Aimee Lou Wood, who has publicly opened up about being bullied over her teeth in the past, the sketch felt personal. She took to Instagram Stories to share her disappointment, calling the parody “mean and unfunny.”
In an interview released April 17 by Extra, Bowen Yang acknowledged her feelings, saying, “However she reacted to that sketch is completely valid. With parody, you sometimes forget the emotional cost.”
Yang emphasized the importance of self-awareness in comedy, stating, “We as comedians need to recognize when parody crosses a line. It’s not about being too sensitive or politically correct—it’s about respecting people.”
He added that Aimee has reportedly spoken to the SNL team about the sketch and expressed hope that everyone can move forward. “It seems like there has been communication behind the scenes, and hopefully there’s room to grow from this,” Bowen said.
Despite the awkward moment, Bowen praised Aimee’s performance in The White Lotus season three, calling it “watercooler television” and a highlight of the season.
In a positive gesture of reconciliation, Sarah Sherman sent Wood a bouquet of flowers following the incident. Aimee posted a photo of the beautiful arrangement, thanking Sarah in a heartfelt message.
This situation serves as a reminder that even in comedy, empathy matters. And sometimes, the best response is a genuine apology — and maybe a few roses.
