Aimee Lou Wood Takes a Stand Against SNL

Aimee Lou Wood, the star of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus, is voicing her discontent with a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that featured a disparaging impersonation of her. Using exaggerated prosthetic teeth, the skit has been labeled by Wood as "mean and unfunny."

A Double Standard? Wood Accuses SNL of Misogyny

In a series of candid Instagram posts, the British actress expressed her feelings about the sketch, stating that it "punched down" and leaned into misogynistic humor. Wood clarified that while she is open to humor, it must be executed with wit and genuine spirit. She emphasized the need for a more sophisticated approach, asserting, "There must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way."

Understanding the Impact of Representation

Wood, 31, revealed that following her complaints, she received "apologies from SNL," although NBC has yet to release an official comment on the matter. The actress, known for her breakout role in Netflix’s Sex Education, said that her character Chelsea—whose gap teeth were highlighted in the sketch—was unfairly targeted, contrasting this with the more favorable treatment of other characters in the segment.

Witty Retort on SNL's Sketch

In the comical SNL sketch, which aired this past week, cast member Sarah Sherman impersonated Wood’s character, poking fun at her teeth with lines such as, "Fluoride? What's that?" In response, Wood shared her frustration: "I have big gap teeth, not bad teeth." She believes that while the rest of the sketch may have successfully ‘punched up,’ she felt unfairly singled out.

Support and Solidarity

Despite her criticism of the sketch, Wood clarified that her issue lies with the concept rather than with Sherman personally. She referenced an online comment that praised the sketch as "sharp and funny" before lamenting its descent into "1970s misogyny," calling it a fitting summary of her thoughts.

Reflections on Identity and Fame

Growing up in Stockport, Greater Manchester, Wood has received a wave of support following her posts, stating she’s received thousands of messages resonating with her sentiments. Speaking to GQ magazine, she expressed her disappointment that her gap teeth have overshadowed her acting career and work, stating, "It makes me really happy that it's symbolizing rebellion and freedom, but there's a limit."

A Question of Gender in the Spotlight

Wood raised an important point in her interview, questioning if the focus would be as intense if a male actor had a similar physical trait or underwent similar scrutiny. "It's still going on about a woman's appearance," she remarked, prompting a conversation about the gendered nature of public scrutiny.