Saturday Night Live criticised by charity for 'hurtful' Tourette's sketch
BBC World
March 2, 2026
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Saturday Night Live (SNL) has faced criticism for a sketch that mocked Tourette syndrome, sparking outrage from the Tourette Action charity, which described the content as "not acceptable." The sketch featured celebrities claiming their controversial behavior was due to the condition, with one character involuntarily shouting a racial slur. This came in the wake of a similar incident at the Bafta Awards, where John Davidson, who has Tourette's, accidentally used the N-word on stage. Emma McNally, CEO of Tourette Action, condemned both SNL and comedian Deon Cole for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the condition, calling such mockery "never acceptable" and highlighting the pain it causes to those with Tourette's.
The sketch drew comparisons to recent events at the Bafta Awards, where Davidson's involuntary tic was widely discussed. While Davidson has clarified that his tics are not intentional and does not reflect his character or beliefs, the SNL sketch reignited criticism of how disabilities are portrayed for entertainment. McNally emphasized that Tourette's is a serious neurological condition, not a joke, and can lead to significant discrimination and isolation for those who live with it. She also pointed out that individuals with Tourette's have faced harsh online backlash in recent days, including vile comments and trolling.
The controversy has sparked broader conversations about disability rights and the importance of sensitivity in media portrayals. Critics argue that such jokes trivialize serious health conditions and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Piers Morgan, among others, condemned Cole's joke at the NAACP Image Awards, where he mocked the idea of white men with Tourette's "reading the room." This adds to growing calls for greater awareness and respect for individuals with
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Originally published on BBC World on 3/2/2026