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SNL Sketch on Tourette's Syndrome Sparks Backlash
The comedy sketch was criticized for 'making fun of disabilities'.
Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:23pm
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A Saturday Night Live sketch that portrayed celebrities as having Tourette's syndrome has faced backlash on social media, with some viewers accusing the show of mocking people with disabilities. The sketch came after a real-life incident at the BAFTA Film Awards where a presenter with Tourette's used offensive language involuntarily, triggering a major controversy.
Why it matters
The sketch highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing free speech and offensive discourse, as well as the backlash that can occur when media outlets handle sensitive topics related to disabilities insensitively.
The details
The SNL sketch featured actors impersonating celebrities like Kanye West and Mel Gibson, claiming their controversial behavior was due to Tourette's syndrome. This came after a real incident at the BAFTA Film Awards where presenter John Davidson, who has Tourette's, used offensive language involuntarily during the broadcast, leading to a major backlash against the BBC for airing the unedited footage.
- On February 22, 2026, John Davidson experienced multiple tics, including shouting expletives and the 'n-word', during a BAFTA Film Awards presentation.
- On March 2, 2026, SNL released the sketch on its YouTube channel.
The players
Saturday Night Live (SNL)
A long-running American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show.
John Davidson
A Tourette's campaigner and the real-life inspiration behind the BAFTA-winning film 'I Swear', who experienced involuntary tics during the BAFTA Film Awards broadcast.
Michael B. Jordan
An American actor who presented at the BAFTA Film Awards alongside Delroy Lindo.
Delroy Lindo
An American actor who presented at the BAFTA Film Awards alongside Michael B. Jordan.
What’s next
SNL has not publicly responded to the criticism about the sketch. It remains to be seen if the show will address the backlash or make any changes to the sketch.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in portraying sensitive topics related to disabilities in media, and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity when addressing these issues in comedy and entertainment.
