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SNL sketch draws criticism for mocking Tourette syndrome
Saturday Night Live has faced backlash after airing a comedy segment that depicted celebrities blaming their controversial behavior on Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition causing involuntary tics.
Charity condemns sketch as unacceptable
Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action, condemned the sketch, stating it was designed to ridicule the condition and reduce those affected to a punchline. In a statement, she emphasized that mocking disabilities is never acceptable and should not be tolerated.
"This is not acceptable. Mocking a disability is never acceptable. It would not be tolerated for any other condition, and it should not be tolerated for people with Tourette's."
Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action
Sketch follows Bafta Awards controversy
The sketch featured cast members portraying celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Mel Gibson, JK Rowling, Kanye West, Armie Hammer, and Louis CK, all claiming their past statements or actions were due to Tourette syndrome. This followed a recent incident at the Bafta Awards, where Tourette's campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur while actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.
Davidson later clarified in a Facebook post that his tics are involuntary and do not reflect his personal beliefs. He expressed regret for any pain caused but stood by his condition, stating, "Whilst I will never apologies for having Tourette syndrome, I will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create."
Tourette syndrome explained
McNally described Tourette syndrome as a complex and incurable neurological condition that can be debilitating, causing pain, isolation, and discrimination. She stressed that it is not a joke, a personality trait, or a source of entertainment.
She also highlighted the recent surge in trolling and harassment faced by individuals with Tourette's, acknowledging the pain experienced by multiple communities in the wake of recent events.
Broader reactions and industry responses
NBC Universal, the broadcaster of Saturday Night Live, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, the UK version of the show is set to launch later this month.
At the NAACP Image Awards, comedian Deon Cole faced criticism for a joke targeting individuals with Tourette syndrome. During his opening monologue, Cole advised white men with the condition to "read the room" or "double up on their medicine." Broadcaster Piers Morgan called the remarks "despicable," while others, including Jamie Foxx, defended Cole, arguing that the joke was taken out of context.
Cole later responded, stating, "People got to learn how to take a joke. It's all in fun."
Delroy Lindo addressed the Bafta incident at the NAACP Image Awards, thanking the audience for their support and framing the event as a moment that turned negative into positive.
Bafta issued an apology last week, acknowledging the harm caused by the incident and committing to address what happened.
