Tom Hanks, the beloved Hollywood actor, recently found himself at the center of controversy after his appearance on Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special. The sketch, which featured Hanks portraying a character wearing a MAGA hat, sparked strong reactions, particularly from supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The special, which aired on February 16, brought together a star-studded lineup, including Meryl Streep, Martin Short, and Jack Nicholson, to celebrate the iconic sketch comedy show’s milestone. Hanks participated in a parody of the popular game show Black Jeopardy, where he played a character named Doug, donning the signature red “Make America Great Again” hat.
During the sketch, Doug’s interactions with the host, played by Kenan Thompson, drew sharp criticism. At one point, Doug hesitated to shake Thompson’s hand, quipping, “Don’t like that, whoa, whoa, whoa. Maybe I’ll call it ‘White Jeopardy’ and start a show just for you.” The moment, intended as satire, was met with outrage from many Trump supporters, who took to social media to express their displeasure.
One Twitter user accused Hanks of mocking Trump supporters by portraying them as “stupid, racist, and rednecks.” Another criticized the show, calling it “unfunny” and catering to “snooty liberal elites.” The backlash highlights the ongoing cultural divide in the U.S., with SNL continuing to be a lightning rod for political commentary.
While the sketch aimed to entertain, it also underscored the challenges of navigating humor in a politically charged climate. For Hanks, the reaction serves as a reminder of the polarizing nature of today’s entertainment landscape.
