“Saturday Night Live” is under fire for including controversial jokes in its recent episode referencing the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Critics from across the spectrum have condemned the sketches, which aired just days after the high-profile incident, as insensitive and poorly timed.
The contentious remarks came during the show’s “Weekend Update” segment, where hosts delivered a series of quips touching on recent headlines. Viewers and critics alike noted that the tone struck by the jokes appeared dismissive of the gravity of the incident, in which Thompson was fatally shot outside a New York City hotel.
The backlash was swift on social media, with many accusing the show of exploiting a tragedy for laughs. “This is beyond tasteless,” one user wrote, while another called the jokes “disrespectful to the grieving family and employees.” Prominent figures, including industry professionals and healthcare advocates, also joined the chorus, urging the show to issue an apology.
NBC has yet to release a formal response to the growing criticism, and representatives for “SNL” have remained silent. However, insiders suggest that the production team underestimated the potential fallout from including such content so soon after the incident.
Thompson’s death has been widely reported, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety, particularly as it occurred in a high-profile area of Manhattan.
For many, the choice to incorporate humor about such a serious event reflects a broader debate about the boundaries of satire and comedy. While “SNL” has long been known for tackling controversial topics, this instance has highlighted the fine line between pushing boundaries and appearing callous.
Whether the show will address the backlash directly in upcoming episodes remains to be seen. For now, the criticism serves as a reminder of the sensitivity required when addressing real-life tragedies in public forums.