Aimee Lou Wood, known for her roles in “The White Lotus” and “Sex Education,” has expressed her displeasure with a recent “Saturday Night Live” sketch that she feels mocked her appearance.
The skit, titled “The White Potus,” featured Sarah Sherman portraying Wood. Sherman used exaggerated prosthetic teeth and a deliberately exaggerated accent to mimic Wood, all while acting foolish. The sketch also included James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump.
During the sketch, SNL host Jon Hamm’s character commented on fluoride in drinking water, to which Sherman’s character, playing Wood, responded cluelessly. The implication was that Wood might not brush her teeth, a jab at her appearance despite the fact that her teeth are far from flawed.
The comedic portrayal continued with a poor attempt at a Mancunian accent, referencing Wood’s roots in Stockport, close to Manchester, England. Wood took to Instagram to express her frustration, emphasizing that while HBO’s portrayal of her on “The White Lotus” was respectful, NBC’s SNL was not.
“But whilst in honest mode – I did find the SNL thing mean and unfunny xo (Felt righteous might delete later x),” Wood shared.
She also clarified that her issue was with the sketch’s concept and not with Sherman herself, asserting, “Actually one last thing. Not @sarahsquirm’s [Sarah Sherman] fault x not hating on her, hating on the concept x.”
Many of Wood’s followers supported her stance, noting that she was the only non-political figure targeted in the episode. A friend pointed out the unfairness of singling her out, to which Wood replied by criticizing the inaccurate accent used in the skit.
Wood has since received an apology from “Saturday Night Live,” although NBC has yet to comment on the incident.