Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in "The White Lotus," has spoken out against a Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that caricatured her appearance with exaggerated prosthetic teeth. The actress described the humor as "mean and unfunny," suggesting that the sketch featured a tone of misogyny and “punched down” on her.
In a candid Instagram post, Wood explained her stance, saying that while she appreciates humor, it should be clever rather than rely on cheap shots. Following her criticism, she mentioned receiving apologies from SNL but expressed disappointment about the portrayal.
The controversy stems from a skit that pokes fun at former President Donald Trump and his team, where Wood's character was depicted by Sarah Sherman using an exaggerated accent and fake teeth. Wood pointed out that the entire premise revolved around jokes about fluoride, which she found reductive.
She elaborated that she doesn’t mind being a target in comedic sketches as long as the humor is rooted in cleverness and respect. Wood further shared that many fans reached out to her after her comments, voicing support for her perspective on the portrayal.
In discussions with GQ, Wood has reflected on the scrutiny surrounding her teeth, pondering whether the focus would be so intense if she were a man, thus highlighting ongoing issues around women's appearances in media.