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SNL UK Tackles Sheeran Controversy in First Episode
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In Short: The show's decision to tackle Sheeran's controversy was seen as a deviation from its usual format, which typically follows the rhythms and traditions of American TV sketch comedy.
Saturday Night Live U.K. (SNL UK) kicked off its second season with a politically charged cold open on Saturday night, addressing the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's tour.
The episode's first sketch featured Sheeran as an AI assistant for King Charles, poking fun at the monarch's alleged comments about Princess Diana being forgotten 'soon enough.'
The controversy began after Macklemore was fired from Sheeran's tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks during earlier shows. Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, was instrumental in getting Macklemore removed.
The show's decision to tackle Sheeran's controversy was seen as a deviation from its usual format, which typically follows the rhythms and traditions of American TV sketch comedy.
Tickets for Sheeran's Philadelphia concert were still available for as low as $37 US on Saturday, and his website did not list any replacement acts.
Fans of Sheeran expressed mixed feelings about the controversy, with some saying they would still attend the concert despite their disagreement with Sheeran's decisions.
What this adds
SNL UK's decision to address Sheeran's controversy in its first episode of the season highlights the show's willingness to tackle current events, even if it deviates from its usual format.
The controversy surrounding Sheeran's tour has drawn significant attention, with SNL UK's sketches adding to the ongoing debate about the role of artists in political and social issues.
What's confirmed
- Saturday Night Live U.K. (SNL UK) kicked off its second season with a politically charged cold open on Saturday night, addressing the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's tour.
- The controversy began after Macklemore was fired from Sheeran's tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks during earlier shows. Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, was instrumental in getting Macklemore removed.
- The show's decision to tackle Sheeran's controversy was seen as a deviation from its usual format, which typically follows the rhythms and traditions of American TV sketch comedy.
- Tickets for Sheeran's Philadelphia concert were still available for as low as $37 US on Saturday, and his website did not list any replacement acts.
- Fans of Sheeran expressed mixed feelings about the controversy, with some saying they would still attend the concert despite their disagreement with Sheeran's decisions.
What's still developing
- As we reported, Sheeran was scheduled to play Gillette last Friday and Saturday before both shows were ultimately canceled because of severe weather.
- Comedian Shane Gillis drew controversy again for his “Saturday Night Live” monologue Saturday after commenting that he “didn’t know women just dress like whores now” at the gym.
- ` The Miami Hurricanes remained undefeated on Saturday night with a 43-35 double-overtime victory over rival Florida State, but not without plenty of controversy and perhaps some help from ACC referees.
- At his first concert since controversy roiled his North American tour, Ed Sheeran said he is “deeply worried” by venues influencing performances after opener Macklemore was fired from the concert lineup for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
- “I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes, and I am so, so sorry,” Sheeran told the crowd Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia.
- Sometimes when it comes to conflicts, the bravest thing you can do is to say nothing at all.” Poking fun at the recent controversy over Sheeran dropping Macklemore as his opening act over his “free Palestine” comments, Marlow then sang in character: “I’m talking ‘bout both sides are equally right.
- Just hours after last night’s episode aired, Sheeran took to the stage for the first time since all his support acts pulled out of his tour over his treatment of Macklemore.
- Meanwhile, in real life, Sheeran was addressing an audience at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday night.
- The decision was announced on Saturday, October 17, following several days of controversy surrounding Chmerkovskiy’s comments about judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
- “I loved making Obsession, and I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m gonna be in a Marvel movie,” Navarrette, who was announced as Rogue in the upcoming X-Men movie, told the audience during her monologue on the show’s Oct. 31 episode.
- She said thinks it's "a shame" that Sheeran got stuck in the middle of the controversy. "You come here to see the music," she said. "I don't agree with everything everyone says, but if I like their music, I'm going to come anyway."
- On this weekend’s episode of the sketch comedy show, the actress teased her upcoming MCU role as Rogue in X-Men, noting that she has to get into Marvel shape while making a joke about Shane Gillis’ sexist opening monologue during the last episode.