Finn Wolfhard Faces Backlash Over Misogynistic Jokes on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and Past Interviews
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Finn Wolfhard, best known for his role in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, has come under intense criticism following a controversial joke during his recent Saturday Night Live monologue. The 23-year-old actor’s crude comparison of the Demogorgon, a monster from the show, to female genitalia sparked a wave of backlash accusing him of perpetuating misogynistic stereotypes and body shaming.
During the opening monologue, Wolfhard reflected on growing up in the public eye, remarking, “My voice changed on camera, my first kiss was on camera,” before adding, “I can’t actually believe that I’m admitting this…but the first time that I learned what a woman looks like down there was on camera as well.” The joke culminated in a cut to a shot of the Demogorgon, implying a vulgar comparison that many viewers found offensive and dehumanizing.
Social media quickly erupted with criticism, highlighting how such humor contributes to the shame and stigma women often face regarding their bodies. One viral tweet stated, “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 user condemned the joke as “heinous misogyny,” emphasizing that society’s comfort with degrading women’s bodies perpetuates harmful norms.
The controversy deepened when a clip resurfaced from a previous MTV interview, where Wolfhard made a similar comment about the Demogorgon’s appearance. In that conversation, he described the monster as “disgusting” and suggested the image was “censor-worthy,” again drawing a crude parallel to female anatomy. Notably, his co-stars Noah Schnapp and Caleb McLaughlin appeared uncomfortable and refrained from engaging with the remark.
Critics on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) pointed out the repeated nature of Wolfhard’s jokes, questioning his fixation on mocking women’s bodies and calling out the normalization of such humor. One tweet remarked, “Who the hell do you think you are to believe it’s okay to mock and dehumanize women?” while others praised Schnapp and McLaughlin for not joining in on the ridicule.
Wolfhard’s SNL appearance also included a skit inspired by Sex and the City alongside McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo, where Caleb’s character made a comment about his on-screen girlfriend’s lack of sexual enthusiasm. This segment drew further criticism, with viewers condemning the implication that women’s dissatisfaction in sex is humorous or acceptable, labeling it as an example of “rape culture.”
The backlash highlights ongoing conversations about the portrayal of women in media and the impact of jokes that reinforce shame and misogyny. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union have long advocated against media that perpetuates harmful stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of respectful and responsible representation.
As the debate continues, Wolfhard’s comments serve as a reminder of the cultural sensitivity required when addressing topics related to gender and body image. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also underscores the significance of fostering environments free from harassment and discrimination, including in entertainment.
While Wolfhard has not issued a public apology, the strong reactions from fans and advocacy groups demonstrate the growing intolerance for humor that marginalizes or dehumanizes women. The incident has sparked broader discussions about accountability and respect in comedy, particularly when it comes to sensitive subjects.
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