Aimee Lou Wood says SNL apologized for ‘mean and unfunny’ White Lotus satire

British actor Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in The White Lotus, recently spoke out against a sketch on Saturday Night Live that mocked her appearance. The sketch, which parodied U.S. President Donald Trump and his staff, featured Sarah Sherman portraying a version of Wood’s character Chelsea from The White Lotus. In the skit, Chelsea is depicted with exaggerated false teeth and portrayed as confused about fluoride.

Wood took to Instagram to express her disappointment with the sketch, calling it “mean and unfunny.” She explained that while HBO, the network behind The White Lotus, was kind and supportive, SNL’s portrayal of her was hurtful. She highlighted that the sketch singled her out for her appearance, while the rest of the skit targeted high-level public figures for their actions.

The actor received an outpouring of support from fans and clarified that she did not blame Sherman for the sketch. She later revealed that SNL had issued an apology for the offensive portrayal. Wood’s co-star, Walton Goggins, initially praised the sketch on Instagram but later deleted his post.

Wood’s character in The White Lotus, Chelsea, became a fan favorite in the show’s most-watched season. The actor’s natural smile and gap teeth received praise from viewers, with many celebrating her unique look and embracing shifting beauty standards. Wood has previously spoken about accepting her smile and gap teeth as liberating, despite facing bullying for her appearance in the past.

While appreciative of the compliments she receives, Wood expressed that constantly discussing her appearance, especially her teeth, can be exhausting. She emphasized the importance of focusing on her work rather than her physical attributes. The New York Times also highlighted the positive reception towards Wood’s decision to maintain her natural smile amidst a culture of fake teeth and veneers.

Wood’s experience with the SNL sketch serves as a reminder of the ongoing scrutiny women face regarding their appearance in the entertainment industry. Despite the challenges, the actor remains steadfast in her commitment to her craft, hoping to shift the conversation towards her work rather than her physical features.