Stranger Things Stars Face Backlash Over Controversial Jokes on Saturday Night Live
NEW YORK, NY — The recent episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, has ignited a wave of criticism over jokes deemed “misogynistic” and “heinous” by viewers and commentators alike. Wolfhard, 23, and fellow cast member Caleb McLaughlin, who also appeared in the sketch, drew fierce backlash for humor that many described as degrading to women.
Wolfhard’s opening monologue touched on his experience growing up in the public eye, referencing his early years on Stranger Things. However, the tone quickly shifted when he joked about learning what a woman’s genitalia looked like on camera, followed by a cut to a Demogorgon — the show’s monstrous creature — in a clear, crude comparison. This moment sparked immediate outrage on social media, with users condemning the joke for perpetuating harmful attitudes toward women’s bodies.
One viral response highlighted the longstanding issue, stating, “Jokes about the female body and female genitalia have been made for centuries and women still bring children into this misogynistic world, inflicting harm and pain on their organs for the sake of this society.” Another comment emphasized how societal norms pressure women to feel shame about their bodies while expecting them to tolerate such humor. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has noted the broader cultural impact of misogyny as a factor in systemic discrimination and violence against women.
Later in the show, Wolfhard was joined by McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo for a Sex and the City-inspired sketch, where they portrayed their Stranger Things characters discussing their fictional sex lives. McLaughlin’s character Lucas made a disparaging remark about his on-screen girlfriend Max, played by Sadie Sink, comparing her to being “in a coma” during sex. This joke was widely criticized as reinforcing “rape culture” by trivializing women’s sexual agency and experiences.
Social media users expressed disgust, with one tweet calling the joke “the unfunniest thing I have ever seen” and another pointing out how such humor contributes to the oppression of women globally. The Office on Violence Against Women under the U.S. Department of Justice has repeatedly highlighted the damaging effects of cultural narratives that normalize sexual coercion and dismiss women’s discomfort.
Additional skits poking fun at other Stranger Things characters, including Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven and Noah Schnapp’s Will, further fueled the controversy. Critics argue that the humor relied heavily on outdated and harmful stereotypes, overshadowing the show’s cultural significance and the actors’ talents.
The backlash comes shortly after Stranger Things concluded its final season on Netflix, a series that has sparked intense conversations about representation and social issues. The controversy surrounding the SNL episode reflects ongoing debates about the responsibility of public figures and entertainers to avoid perpetuating misogyny and to foster respectful discourse.
As audiences continue to weigh in, the incident serves as a reminder of the evolving standards in comedy and the heightened awareness around gender sensitivity. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has also addressed workplace and media environments, emphasizing the importance of combating discrimination and harassment in all forms.
While Wolfhard and McLaughlin have yet to publicly respond to the criticism, the episode has sparked broader discussions about the boundaries of humor and the cultural impact of media portrayals. The debate underscores the challenges faced by entertainers navigating a landscape where audiences demand greater accountability and respect for diverse experiences.
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