Aimee Lou Wood, star of White Lotus, criticized a Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that mocked her teeth, calling it "mean and unfunny." While she initially claimed to have received an apology, SNL insiders deny this, stating that the show does not issue apologies for comedic sketches and that the controversy is "ridiculous."
SNL sources maintain that the sketch, featuring exaggerated prosthetic teeth, was within the show's tradition of satirizing celebrities. They argue that far worse things have been said about other celebrities and that comedy is meant to entertain, not to receive approval from those being parodied.
Wood explained her feelings in Instagram posts, emphasizing that the joke was cheap and that her issue wasn't about "thin skin" but the fact that her character was the only one "punched down on." She clarified that her tears, which appeared in subsequent media reports, were unrelated to the sketch. She received substantial support from other celebrities and her company.
Walton Goggins, Wood's White Lotus co-star, praised the sketch, adding to the controversy. His comments came amidst rumors of a feud between the two actors, fueled by a noticeable absence of interaction on social media, including a reported unfollowing on Instagram and lack of mutual tagging in behind-the-scenes posts.
The incident has brought attention to Wood's past struggles with body image issues, including bulimia and feelings of inadequacy regarding her appearance. She expressed frustration that her appearance was overshadowing her acting abilities.