Sun Apr 20 03:20:00 UTC 2025: ## ‘SNL’ Takes a Break After Backlash Over “White POTUS” Sketch

**NEW YORK, NY** – “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is taking a short hiatus before returning on May 3rd with Quinta Brunson as host and Benson Boone’s musical debut. The break follows a busy period featuring hosts Mikey Madison, Jack Black, and Jon Hamm, and musical guests Morgan Wallen, Elton John & Brandi Carlile, and Lizzo.

The show’s recent “White POTUS” sketch, a parody of “The White Lotus,” sparked controversy. The sketch, which featured James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump and Sarah Sherman as Aimee Lou Wood’s character Chelsea, drew criticism from Wood, who deemed it “mean and unfunny” on social media. While acknowledging the satirical nature of SNL, Wood felt the sketch unfairly targeted her character. Sherman subsequently sent Wood flowers as a gesture of reconciliation.

The “White POTUS” sketch featured a star-studded cast including Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day, Alex Moffat, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm, Heidi Gardner, Ashley Padilla, Marcello Ramirez, Beck Bennett, and Lizzo. Each cast member portrayed a “White Lotus” character analogue to a real-life political figure.

“Saturday Night Live” is available to stream on Peacock.

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