SNL Under Fire for Controversial 'Weekend Update' Segment Targeting Black Women
“Saturday Night Live” has found itself in hot water yet again, this time for a “Weekend Update” sketch that some viewers have condemned as perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Black women.
The controversy stems from the January 25 episode, where anchor Michael Che was joined by Giselle, a concerned businesswoman portrayed by cast member Ego Nwodim. The segment addressed Trump’s recent executive orders and proposed tariffs on imports, with Nwodim’s character offering her perspective.
Throughout the bit, Giselle delivered remarks that many found offensive. One of the more controversial lines included: “If you are a Black woman and you’re watching… You must act… You must buy all the hair extensions before the tariffs kick in!”
She went on to say, “My hair is too short for a bowl cut… I use a plate,” feeding into stereotypes suggesting Black women rely on extensions because they supposedly can’t grow their own hair. The punchline culminated with, “He’s [Trump] about to have me come to work looking like Black Caillou in a Prada suit.”
The sketch drew swift criticism from viewers on social media, many accusing the show of using Black women as the butt of a joke. One user on X (formerly Twitter), @dilligentnetnog, wrote:
“Another minstrel show broadcasted live for the whole world to see. A harmless joke to the untrained eye. But in actuality, it is a blow dealt by those who think it ought to be known by you (BW). They see your insecurities and laugh. The punchline of America? Black women.”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Dr. La Shawn M. Paul also weighed in, criticizing the network for perpetuating stereotypes: “A Black woman and Black man being used to mask a stereotype as a ‘joke,’” she wrote, adding, “If you gonna punch down on Black women, at least make it funny, because this wasn’t even good comedy.”
While “Saturday Night Live” has faced criticism in the past for its portrayal of marginalized groups, this incident has reignited conversations about the responsibility of comedy shows to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes—especially when those stereotypes target Black women.
