SNL UK and US Parody Melania Trump's Epstein Remarks

The UK and American versions of 'Saturday Night Live' both spoofed the first lady's unexpected comments about Jeffrey Epstein.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:54pm

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An abstract composition of jagged, overlapping black silhouettes against a bright red background, conceptually representing the clash between political power, celebrity scandal, and media satire.SNL's satirical takes on the first lady's Epstein remarks expose the intersection of politics, pop culture, and public perception.Washington Today

The U.S. and UK versions of "Saturday Night Live" both parodied first lady Melania Trump's recent remarks denying any knowledge of or connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their cold open sketches this week. While the American version focused more on the idea that the first lady's statement made her sound suspicious, the UK version depicted her unexpectedly crashing a group of friends' party to repeatedly bring up Epstein unprompted.

Why it matters

Melania Trump's unsolicited comments about Epstein raised eyebrows and sparked speculation, as the first lady is not known for making such spontaneous public statements. Both the U.S. and UK "SNL" shows saw an opportunity to satirize the unusual nature of her remarks and the broader scandal surrounding Epstein's crimes.

The details

In the "SNL UK" sketch, the first lady, played by Emma Sidi, suddenly appears at a group of friends' cookout and keeps bringing up Epstein while they play "never have I ever." She defensively declares she is "not Epstein's victim" and has "no friends, since they all randomly died in a maximum security prison." The U.S. "SNL" version features Melania, played by Chloe Fineman, calling her husband, President Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson), to say she plans to make a "big, random speech" denying any connection to Epstein, which the president finds suspicious.

  • Melania Trump made the unexpected remarks about Epstein during a press event this week.
  • The "SNL UK" and "SNL" cold opens both aired on April 11, 2026.

The players

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who recently made unexpected public comments denying any knowledge of or connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who is the husband of Melania Trump.

Emma Sidi

The actress who portrayed Melania Trump in the "SNL UK" cold open sketch.

Chloe Fineman

The actress who portrayed Melania Trump in the "SNL" (U.S.) cold open sketch.

James Austin Johnson

The actor who portrayed Donald Trump in the "SNL" (U.S.) cold open sketch.

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What they’re saying

“Never have I ever been friends with Jeffrey Epstein.”

— Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States

“Your husband literally started a war to distract us from it.”

— Friend

“Darling, I gotta admit, that sounds a little insane. Who are you, me?”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The "SNL UK" and "SNL" sketches parodying Melania Trump's Epstein remarks aired on the same day, April 11, 2026, and both shows are expected to continue covering political and cultural topics through their respective cold open sketches.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's unexpected public comments about Jeffrey Epstein have raised eyebrows and sparked speculation, providing rich material for satirical treatment by both the U.S. and UK versions of "Saturday Night Live." The sketches highlight how the first lady's remarks seemed to come out of nowhere and drew comparisons to her husband's own penchant for making controversial statements.