SNL Under Fire for Racially Insensitive ‘Gorilla’ Skit
*Saturday Night Live’s May 3, 2025 episode has ignited backlash over a sketch titled “Two Bitches vs. a Gorilla.” The controversial skit starred Quinta Brunson and Ego Nwodim and aired during Season 50 of the iconic show.
The sketch was framed as a parody of a viral meme about “100 men vs. one gorilla,” but it quickly shifted to focus on two women trash-talking a gorilla in a zoo enclosure. Viewers have taken to social media to express anger and disappointment over its content.
The backlash centers on claims that the sketch played into racist stereotypes and used offensive language that many found dehumanizing and inappropriate for a mainstream comedy show.
Key Moments That Fueled the Controversy
The skit featured bold and shocking lines that have been widely criticized online. Brunson’s character said, “You think this is the first time I fought a 400-lb bitch? I used to work at a Lane Bryant.”
having a darker-skinned black woman ask a gorilla “can i have my face back?” is abhorrent, and y’all have the audacity to call them “bitches” as well. https://t.co/ivIqKLoemp
— i luv jalepenonis (@simtayro) May 4, 2025
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joke was about 100 men so how did two black women get in it? https://t.co/3UriA51RNB pic.twitter.com/f5m55a7iLs
— k. ♡ (@blkwatcher) May 4, 2025
Another controversial moment had her quip, “You up here on all fours looking like the L, G, B, T and the Q.” The duo also taunted the gorilla by singing Kendrick Lamar’s “They Not Like Us.”
Most outrage centered on a line about the gorilla “giving them their face back,” which critics called out as reinforcing harmful racial tropes linked to historical dehumanization of Black people.
Mixed Reactions: Praise and Outrage
While social media backlash was fierce, not everyone felt the same way. Outlets like Guardian and Paste Magazine praised the sketch’s comedic delivery, calling it “one of the best sketches of the season” for its rapid-fire jokes and escalating tension.
Fans of Quinta Brunson and Ego Nwodim defended the performers, saying they were executing a script written by SNL’s team. “Blame the writers, not the actresses,” one user posted.
However, others felt the performers should have refused the sketch. “It’s a major career stain,” one X user declared, reflecting a broader frustration with recurring racial insensitivity in mainstream comedy.
Spotlight on Quinta Brunson and Ego Nwodim’s Roles
Quinta Brunson, best known for her Emmy-winning show “Abbott Elementary,” hosted the episode and brought her sketch comedy experience from “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Brunson is widely respected for her sharp humor and advocacy for Black creatives in Hollywood.
Ego Nwodim has been a key cast member on SNL since 2018 and is celebrated for her bold performances and versatility. Together, they have often used comedy to challenge stereotypes—but this time, the sketch appears to have missed the mark for many viewers.
Neither Brunson nor Nwodim has issued a statement about the backlash as of May 5, 2025, leaving fans and critics awaiting further response.
Understanding SNL’s Writing and Production Process
Many viewers might not realize that SNL sketches are created by a large team of writers and producers. The final say usually comes from creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, making it unlikely that Brunson and Nwodim had full control over the sketch’s direction.
Performers can voice concerns, but last-minute changes are rare once a sketch is approved for live broadcast. This has led some fans to call out the production team rather than the actors themselves.
The controversy sheds light on ongoing debates about who holds responsibility when comedic content crosses sensitive lines—writers, producers, or performers?
What This Backlash Means for SNL and Viewers
For SNL, this controversy is part of a long history of facing criticism for racially insensitive content. From the 2016 “Starbucks Verissimo” sketch to more recent issues, fans are increasingly vocal about wanting the show to evolve with the times.
For viewers, the backlash is a reminder of the cultural power of comedy and the importance of thoughtful representation. As one X post noted, “We deserve better from a show with this much influence.”
Whether SNL will address the controversy publicly remains to be seen, but the online conversation is far from over.
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