SNL Monologue Sparks Outrage as Finn Wolfhard Faces Backlash Over Offensive Joke
NEW YORK – Finn Wolfhard, star of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, ignited a firestorm of criticism this weekend following a controversial joke during his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live. The monologue, intended as a lighthearted reflection on growing up in the public eye, drew swift condemnation for what many viewers deemed a misogynistic and harmful comparison of female anatomy to the show’s terrifying Demogorgon monster.
The incident occurred as Wolfhard recounted “firsts” experienced while filming Stranger Things, including his voice changing and first kiss. He then recounted learning about female anatomy on set, immediately followed by a clip of the Demogorgon, a visual juxtaposition that sparked immediate outrage online.
“Critics argued the joke perpetuated harmful shame surrounding women’s bodies by comparing a vulva to a disgusting creature,” reported 247 News Around The World. “Many viewers felt it was a lazy and dehumanizing gag that reduced female anatomy to a punchline about a monster.”
The backlash extended beyond the initial joke. Social media platforms quickly filled with criticism, with users describing the monologue as “casual misogyny” and questioning societal comfort with degrading women’s bodies for comedic effect.
Adding fuel to the fire, a resurfaced interview clip emerged showing Wolfhard making a similar comparison years prior, with his Stranger Things co-stars remaining silent. This silence further amplified the criticism, with many questioning the lack of intervention from those present.
The controversy also touched on a sketch featuring a joke about Max Mayfield, a character who previously experienced a coma, which some viewers interpreted as a reference to rape culture.
Despite the uproar, the monologue also featured a reunion with Wolfhard’s Stranger Things co-stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo, who joked about their transition from child stars to adulthood. While some defended the humor as typical SNL shock value, the offensive nature of the Demogorgon comparison overshadowed the nostalgic reunion for many.
The incident highlights a broader conversation about the responsibility of comedians and the potential harm caused by perpetuating harmful stereotypes and objectification. The debate underscores the evolving standards of acceptable humor and the increasing scrutiny faced by public figures for their words and actions.
You can watch the full monologue, including the controversial joke, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AufnXJISPf4
According to NBC, the episode also featured Sabrina Carpenter. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/watch-finn-wolfhard-snl-sketches-monologue-from-january-17