In the skit, cast member Sarah Sherman mimicked Wood’s character using a British accent and exaggerated prosthetic teeth. The actress responded on social media, calling the portrayal “unfunny and mean” and revealing that she had received a personal apology from the SNL team.
Photo: Instagram
Speaking to Extra, Yang defended Wood’s reaction, stating, “However she reacted to that sketch is completely valid.” He acknowledged the emotional impact parody can have on individuals, noting, “With parody, you kind of forget the sort of human, emotional cost that it sort of extols on someone.”
Yang also expressed that the cast respects Wood’s work and praised her contribution to the recent season of the HBO series. “It was just water cooler television again that we desperately have a craving for,” he said, adding that the situation should serve as a reminder of the boundaries in comedic writing.
The parody, titled The White Potus, reimagined The White Lotus with figures such as Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, and RFK Jr vacationing amid political and economic turmoil. The sketch aimed to reflect the tone of the series while incorporating political satire, but the depiction of Wood’s character drew specific criticism.
Yang concluded that the incident highlighted the need for accountability in comedy, saying, “It’s not PC or woke culture, it’s just culture.”