Victoria Jackson Criticizes Tom Hanks’ ‘SNL’ MAGA Skit

Published February 18, 2025 1:00 AM PST

Tom Hanks has stepped into a controversy after his appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) this past weekend. The actor faced backlash from one of the show’s former cast members, Victoria Jackson, who expressed strong disapproval of his portrayal.

The Controversial Skit

Hanks appeared on SNL with a MAGA (Make America Great Again) hat, performing a sketch where he pretended to be reluctant to shake a Black man’s hand. This skit has sparked outrage among some viewers, including SNL alums. Victoria Jackson, who was a member of the show from 1986 to 1992, has publicly criticized the act.

Jackson’s Reaction

Jackson, known for her staunch support of former President Donald Trump, expressed her anger to TMZ. She referred to a tweet by commentator Link Lauren, who described the “MAGA = racist” narrative as “downright disgusting.” Jackson echoed this sentiment, calling the entire skit “stupid” and expressing offense at the sexual content as well.

Tom Hanks just came out on SNL in a MAGA hat for a bit where he acted like he didn’t want to shake a black man’s hand. This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter. Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show… pic.twitter.com/PlSc7gmiJ0

On the Red Carpet

Jackson was at last night’s SNL red carpet event when she witnessed another former cast member laughing at the skit, which only exacerbated her frustration. Her note on the situation hinted at the show’s perceived bias. “Did anyone make fun of the Kamala supporters?!” she sarcastically asked.

The Impact on SNL Ratings

Link Lauren’s tweet criticized the skit as a poor move for the show’s ratings, suggesting it’s part of what’s been driving down fame’s viewership. The controversy around SNL has continued to grow, with both supporters and opponents of Trump engaging in debate online.

Future Implications

With Jackson’s public criticism highlighted by multiple media outlets, Hanks and SNL may face further scrutiny. The backlash is unlikely to subside anytime soon, given the polarized political climate and SNL’s significant influence on public opinion.

Conclusion

Victoria Jackson’s strong reaction to Tom Hanks’ SNL skit reflects the show’s ongoing battle with political content and its impact on viewers. As SNL continues to navigate this territory, it will be essential to watch how the controversy unfolds and how the show manages its reputation.

What do you think about the controversy? Share your views in the comments section below!