Saturday Night Live has sparked backlash after posting a July 4-themed sketch featuring comedian Nate Bargatze, who faced criticism for attending President Donald Trump's 80th birthday UFC event. The sketch, titled Washington's Dream, originally aired in 2023 when Bargatze hosted the show. In the clip, Bargatze plays George Washington during the Revolutionary War, ignoring questions about slavery while fixating on English language quirks.
Social media backlash
When SNL shared the sketch on Instagram, followers flooded comments with criticism. One user wrote: 'Not the best time to post this SNL especially if Nate is involved.' Another commented: 'Read the room SNL.' A third said: 'Used to really like this guy until he showed up supporting DT. I have a different perspective of him now.'
The backlash stems from Bargatze attending the White House UFC fight, which doubled as Trump's 80th birthday celebration. He was photographed with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines, prompting calls for the comedian to be 'cancelled'.
Bargatze's political stance
A source close to the 47-year-old Emmy-winning comedian told the Daily Beast that Bargatze is 'not political' but attended the event because he is a UFC fan. Bargatze has avoided politics in his stand-up routines.
The Washington's Dream sketch became so popular that SNL produced a second version in 2024. In the skit, Kenan Thompson's character asks: 'And sir, in this new country, what plans are there for men of colour such as I?' Bargatze's Washington ignores him. When Washington brings up football, Thompson asks: 'And the slaves, sir. What of them?' Again, Bargatze's Washington moves on, speaking about 'liberty'. As he leaves, Thompson shouts: 'Where all men are free, right?'
Impact on SNL's audience
The July 4 post was labelled 'tone deaf' by some fans, highlighting a divide between SNL's traditionally left-leaning audience and Bargatze's recent associations. Metro has contacted SNL and Nate Bargatze for comment.
