Aimee Lou Wood is experiencing a major boost after a recent controversy with Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Last weekend, SNL aired a pre-recorded sketch called “The White Potus,” which parodied The White Lotus by turning its characters into eccentric members of President Donald Trump’s inner circle. The sketch included a scene where Wood’s character, Chelsea, was mocked with exaggerated fake buckteeth, making fun of her teeth and intelligence. The British actress, known for her role on The White Lotus, took to Instagram to express her displeasure with the sketch. She criticized it for its “mean and unfunny” approach, stating that the joke about fluoride wasn’t clever and felt like an unnecessary jab at her appearance.
Wood, who has been open about her past struggles with bullying over her teeth, explained in her post, “I don’t mind caricatures, but this skit was the only one that punched down on me.” Her post quickly gained attention, and she later shared that she had received an apology from SNL. She also experienced a surge in fan support, gaining more than 130,000 new Instagram followers.
Although SNL and NBC have not officially commented on Wood’s criticism or confirmed the apology, the actress’s response has created a positive ripple effect. Wood’s standing in the Emmy race has notably improved as well, with her odds jumping from seventh to sixth place in Gold Derby’s predictions for Best Drama Supporting Actress.
In the wake of the controversy, Wood reflected on the support she’s received, especially considering her past experiences with bullying. In a March interview on The Jonathan Ross Show, Wood expressed how nice it felt to be embraced by her fans. “It’s a real full-circle moment,” she said, referencing her journey from being teased for her teeth to receiving praise for her unique appearance.
Her role as Chelsea in The White Lotus has certainly resonated with audiences. In Season 3, Chelsea is a free-spirited character who becomes entangled with her older boyfriend, Rick. Her character’s tragic arc, ending in death due to Rick’s inability to move past his traumas, has made her one of the season’s most beloved figures.
Wood’s rising visibility has likely helped her climb in the Emmy race. She now sits among the top contenders for Best Drama Supporting Actress, alongside stars like Carrie Coon and Parker Posey from The White Lotus, and Kaitlyn Dever from The Last of Us.
Meanwhile, the April 12 SNL sketch, “The White Potus,” featured a star-studded cast of celebrities parodying political figures. Jon Hamm played Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Sarah Sherman portrayed Wood’s character, and several other well-known actors took on the roles of figures like Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and Vladimir Putin.
Despite the controversy, Wood’s rise in the Emmy rankings and the outpouring of support from her fans are clear signs of her growing influence in Hollywood.
