In an Instagram post, the star of The White Lotus expressed her displeasure with a Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch that imitated her through exaggerated prosthetic teeth, stating it was "mean and unfunny." Wood criticized the show for "punching down" on her, suggesting the depiction carried a misogynistic tone. Although she recognized that SNL humor often relies on caricature, she lamented the approach taken in the sketch.
The segment featured Wood's character, Chelsea, portrayed by Sarah Sherman, who mimicked her with an exaggerated accent and noticeable fake teeth. One line questioned the use of fluoride, poking fun at Wood’s prominent gap-toothed smile. Wood, who gained fame through Netflix's Sex Education, emphasized her willingness to accept humor but expressed that it should be cleverer and more nuanced.
Following her online critiques, Wood revealed that SNL had reached out to apologize. In her remarks, she highlighted that while other jokes in the skit felt empowering, her character was the only one subjected to ridicule. She clarified that her grievances weren't aimed at Sherman, but at the concept behind the joke.
Wood also commented on the ongoing focus on her appearance, expressing her frustration that such conversations detract from discussions about her acting work. Citing a personal feeling of sadness over the focus on her teeth, she wondered if similar scrutiny would apply if it were a male actor.
In a show of solidarity, Wood's younger sister Emily took to Instagram to support her sister, praising her authenticity and strength. "The admiration I have for this woman is nuts," she wrote, reflecting pride and protectiveness over Aimee. Together, the sisters have become advocates for embracing individuality in the public eye amidst criticisms and stereotypes surrounding women's appearances.
The segment featured Wood's character, Chelsea, portrayed by Sarah Sherman, who mimicked her with an exaggerated accent and noticeable fake teeth. One line questioned the use of fluoride, poking fun at Wood’s prominent gap-toothed smile. Wood, who gained fame through Netflix's Sex Education, emphasized her willingness to accept humor but expressed that it should be cleverer and more nuanced.
Following her online critiques, Wood revealed that SNL had reached out to apologize. In her remarks, she highlighted that while other jokes in the skit felt empowering, her character was the only one subjected to ridicule. She clarified that her grievances weren't aimed at Sherman, but at the concept behind the joke.
Wood also commented on the ongoing focus on her appearance, expressing her frustration that such conversations detract from discussions about her acting work. Citing a personal feeling of sadness over the focus on her teeth, she wondered if similar scrutiny would apply if it were a male actor.
In a show of solidarity, Wood's younger sister Emily took to Instagram to support her sister, praising her authenticity and strength. "The admiration I have for this woman is nuts," she wrote, reflecting pride and protectiveness over Aimee. Together, the sisters have become advocates for embracing individuality in the public eye amidst criticisms and stereotypes surrounding women's appearances.