Tom Hanks’ recent appearance on Saturday Night Live has sparked a heated debate, with his portrayal of a MAGA hat-wearing character drawing sharp criticism from Trump supporters. The sketch, part of the show’s 50th anniversary special, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing cultural divide.
In the sketch, Hanks played a character named Doug, who wore a red MAGA hat and participated in a parody of Black Jeopardy. The character’s interactions with Kenan Thompson’s game show host included a moment where Doug hesitated to shake Thompson’s hand, joking, “Don’t like that, whoa, whoa, whoa. Maybe I’ll call it ‘White Jeopardy’ and start a show just for you.”
The scene, intended as satire, was met with outrage from Trump supporters, who accused the show of perpetuating negative stereotypes. One Twitter user wrote, “Tom Hanks just mocked Trump supporters as racist and stupid. This is why SNL is out of touch with real America.”
The SNL special, which featured a host of celebrities, including Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, was meant to celebrate the show’s legacy. However, Hanks’ sketch became the most controversial moment, highlighting the challenges of balancing comedy with sensitivity in today’s polarized environment.
While some viewers found the sketch humorous, others saw it as a misstep, further deepening the cultural divide. For Hanks, the reaction underscores the complexities of navigating humor in a politically charged climate.
