Saturday Night Live has faced backlash over a sketch that mocked the Bafta N-word incident, with a leading Tourette syndrome charity calling it “horrific.” The sketch, filmed as a public service announcement, featured cast members portraying public figures like Mel Gibson and JK Rowling, attributing their controversial remarks to Tourette’s. It was cut from the live show but uploaded to YouTube.
Tourettes Action CEO Emma McNally said: “Mocking a disability is never acceptable. It would not be tolerated for any other condition, and it should not be tolerated by people with Tourette’s.” The sketch referenced the February Baftas incident where John Davidson, who has Tourette’s, was heard shouting a racial slur while presenting an award.
McNally emphasized that Tourette’s is a complex neurological condition, not a joke or source of entertainment. She warned that such videos undo progress in awareness and lead to discrimination. Comedian Al Murray called the skit “vile,” while disability campaigner Adam Pearson expressed disappointment, saying it was “punching down.”
Former MSP Joan McAlpine questioned why mocking Tourette’s is acceptable when mocking a disabled person was condemned. Actor James Dreyfus criticized the sketch as “pig-ignorant.” Meanwhile, at the NAACP Image awards, host Deon Cole made a joke about Tourette’s, prompting Piers Morgan to label it “despicable.”
McNally concluded with a plea for empathy, noting the harassment faced by the Tourette’s community. “No one should ever be treated that way,” she said.
