Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in The White Lotus, has taken to social media to share her displeasure with a recent sketch on Saturday Night Live. The sketch, which featured a portrayal of Wood using exaggerated prosthetic teeth, was described as "mean and unfunny" by the actress, who suggested it "punched down" on her.
Wood posted her thoughts on Instagram, stating she enjoys humor "when it's clever and in good spirits," but argued that there are more thoughtful and nuanced ways to deliver comedic material. The 31-year-old noted that she had received apologies from the SNL team after expressing her concerns.
The actress' portrayal on the sketch came after significant attention surrounding her "big gap teeth" from fans of her recent work. In the sketch, actress Sarah Sherman’s portrayal of Wood’s character, Chelsea, was characterized by a pronounced accent and fake teeth. A notable joke involved a line about fluoride, which Wood rebutted, emphasizing that her gap teeth are not a flaw.
"Although I understand SNL’s nature of caricature, the entire joke being based on fluoride made it feel particularly sharp," Wood stated. She clarified that her discontent was directed at the concept of the sketch, rather than at Sherman's performance specifically.
Wood stated she received numerous supportive messages after sharing her thoughts, reinforcing her belief that she needed to voice her opinion. She expressed frustration that discussions about her appearance often overshadow her acting career, raising concerns about the focus on women's looks in entertainment.
In a recent interview, Wood remarked on the cultural conversation surrounding her appearance, suggesting that it could reflect deeper societal issues regarding gender and representation. She emphasized the need for a balance between humor and respect, especially in a landscape where women's appearances are often scrutinized more harshly.
