'SNL' Tackled the Aziz Ansari Controversy
So. Awkward.
Saturday Night Live has addressed the #MeToo movement once again, this time tackling the controversial and divisive Aziz Ansari allegations.
Earlier this month, Babe.net published a story from an anonymous woman (identified as "Grace" in the article) describing a date with Ansari that she said turned into the worst night of her life. The account drew split reactions, with some criticizing it for what they saw as weakening the #MeToo movement and others noting that it started an important, nuanced conversation about consent and power dynamics in relationships.
Saturday Night Live weighed in not on the scandal itself, but on the awkwardness people feel when trying to discuss it. The sketch highlights how difficult the conversation is and underscores its importance.
The sketch, called "Dinner Discussion," focuses on a group of friends stumbling through a conversation about the allegations. When host Will Ferrell's character tries to change the subject, Kate McKinnon's character points out that the conversation can't be avoided, no matter how uncomfortable it is.
"Honey, the time for talking about the dog is over. We are in a post-Babe.net universe now, and we have to finish what we started," she says.
"Dinner Discussion" wasn't the only sketch of the night addressing #MeToo and Time's Up. In a commercial for a deodorant called "Next," SNL took aim at the anxiety that men feel as they worry that past transgressions will come back to haunt them.
The "Next" digital short features an office manager, a professional comedian, and someone from the entertainment industry walking a red carpet. The range of characters portrayed in the short mirrors the wide reach the #MeToo movement has had, exposing sexual misconduct across all industries.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Princess Kate's Sculpted Cheeks Could Be the Work of This Insider-Loved Treatment
The technique also has Meghan Markle's stamp of approval.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
32 Great TV Shows That Capture What We Love About Our Closest Friendships
Watch these with your bestie (or when you miss them).
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Kaia Gerber Test-Drives Selena Gomez's Winter Shoe Styling Hack
There's still a way to wear those open-toe heels.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Introduce the "Newest Member" of Their Family
"I'm crazy about her and excited to share life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Garner Is Reportedly Ready to Cut Ties With Jennifer Lopez, Unless Their Kids Are Involved
"Her friends feel she shouldn't have allowed herself to get so involved."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Hailey Bieber Shares Her First Photo of Baby Son Jack Blues Since Giving Birth—See the Sweet Shot
So freaking cute.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Glen Powell Says Joking About Sydney Sweeney Affair Rumors on 'SNL' Was a "Blast"
They've sure had fun with this one.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published