Tom Hanks’ appearance on Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from supporters of former President Donald Trump. The actor, known for his wholesome image, participated in a sketch that many found divisive and offensive.
The sketch, a parody of Black Jeopardy, featured Hanks playing a character named Doug, who wore a red MAGA hat. The character’s interactions with Kenan Thompson’s game show host included a moment where Doug hesitated to shake Thompson’s hand, quipping, “Don’t like that, whoa, whoa, whoa. Maybe I’ll call it ‘White Jeopardy’ and start a show just for you.”
The scene, intended as satire, was met with backlash from Trump supporters, who accused the show of mocking their values. One Twitter user wrote, “Tom Hanks just portrayed Trump supporters as racist and stupid. This is why SNL is irrelevant to real Americans.”
The SNL special, which brought together a star-studded lineup, including Meryl Streep and Martin Short, was meant to celebrate the show’s legacy. However, Hanks’ sketch became the most controversial moment, highlighting the challenges of navigating humor in a politically charged climate.
While some viewers appreciated the satire, others saw it as a step too far, further deepening the cultural divide. For Hanks, the reaction serves as a reminder of the fine line between comedy and controversy.
