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SNL Faces Criticism After Making a Skit From the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp Trial

May 16, 2022

Since the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial began, it has garnered attention as people choose sides and discuss who they believe is the true abuser. But, it has also created conversation surrounding the way people watch trials like they are fiction or as a source of entertainment but not as an actual trial that affects people’s lives. The conversation increased after Saturday Night Live did a skit surrounding the trial. The skit focused on the portion of the trial that explores the allegations that Amber Heard defecated on Johnny Depp’s pillow. Many found issues with comedians trying to create a joke around something so serious. Although the trial is a defamation trial and not a domestic abuse trial, the contents still focus on incredibly serious and triggering topics around abuse.

Unearthed surveillance from the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial pic.twitter.com/DFdtE5uarV

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) May 15, 2022

For example, one of the jokes was that watching the trial gives you a feeling of happiness and a “glad that is not me” feeling. Another joke called the trial “for fun.” So, it is clear to see that viewers were not pleased. “so y’all saw a case involving testimonies about domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual assault, emotional trauma, mental illness, and medical emergencies including people losing actual body parts… and your first thought was “this would be a funny sketch for our comedy show!” one person commented.

not going to quote that SNL skit but i'll just say the cruelty being directed toward amber is one of the most dehumanizing things i've ever seen happen in popular culture. i truly believe these people will not be happy until she commits suicide. she isn't a person to them.

— zack 'runs a communist set' snyder (@femmevillain) May 15, 2022

I realize we have much bigger fish to fry today, but SNL's cold open made fun of the Depp/Heard defamation trial and it repeated false claims that Heard cut off Depp's finger and defecated in his bed. The premise of the sketch was that the trial is "fun" and for public amusement.

— ella dawson (@brosandprose) May 15, 2022

Many found it inappropriate that a large television show would promote this about a large trial involving abuse. And, many also found it trivializing the case, which is also unhelpful. Some also pointed out that when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, comedians found it horrible and voiced their concerns, but found it okay to joke about this trial. “Every comedian in the world was acting like a slap was the worst thing a person could do a few weeks ago but skits about domestic abuse are apparently fine.

Not only is this the strangest tone deaf skit I've ever seen…it also isn't even funny like what even was the point of this

— Ariana (@_canyonmooon) May 15, 2022

Overall, the skit did not sit well with people, who also commented that the skit was not even funny in the first place. As the trial continues, many continue to discuss why it is not okay to watch the trial like it is fictional and remember they are actual people.