Tom Hanks faced backlash for his controversial MAGA skit during Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special, with many viewers expressing outrage over his portrayal of a racist Donald Trump supporter. In the skit, Hanks reprised his role as Doug, a clueless individual wearing a Make America Great Again hat, who surprisingly performs well on the game show Black Jeopardy!.
His performance, which aimed to parody the differences between Trump supporters and Black culture, led to accusations of perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Hanks first appeared as Doug in 2016, using the character to satirize Trump supporters. However, as some MAGA supporters pointed out, Trump’s electoral success and diverse voter base have since made the Doug character seem outdated.
In the updated skit, Doug refuses to shake hands with the host, portrayed by Kenan Thompson, which prompted further criticism from Trump supporters who felt the depiction was unfair.
Former Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aide Link Lauren called the portrayal “disgusting” and accused SNL of pushing a divisive narrative. He also questioned the show’s declining ratings, writing, “This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter.”
MAGA supporters took to social media, criticising Hanks for disrespecting Republicans, with some accusing him of mocking Trump supporters by wearing the MAGA hat. Others pointed out the awkward silence during the sketch, where Hanks’ character refused to shake hands with a Black man, which they interpreted as a deliberate attempt to caricature Trump supporters. This incident has also led to discussions about SNL’s declining viewership.
Another critic wrote, “No one in the audience laughs as Tom Hanks appears on SNL as a racist Donald Trump supporter that refuses to shake hands with a Black man.”