Tom Hanks Sparks Outrage with MAGA Character on SNL's 50th Anniversary

Tom Hanks reprised his role as Doug, a MAGA-hat-wearing character, during the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL), sparking outrage among conservative viewers. The sketch, a revival of the popular “Black Jeopardy!” segment, originally debuted in 2016 and features a game show where questions are tailored to Black culture, often leaving white contestants struggling to answer. Hanks’ character, Doug, initially hesitates to shake hands with the Black host, played by Kenan Thompson, before eventually relenting.

The sketch, which humorously highlights cultural divides, drew sharp criticism from conservative commentators and Trump supporters. Prominent figures like Benny Johnson and Clay Travis accused SNL of perpetuating outdated stereotypes, with Johnson claiming the show “learned nothing” from Trump’s political success. Others, like Mario Nawfal, criticized the sketch as “tone-deaf,” arguing that it misrepresents Trump’s growing support among minority voters.

Despite the backlash, the sketch was praised for its satirical take on racial and cultural dynamics. Hanks’ portrayal of Doug, a Southern conservative who unexpectedly excels at answering questions about Black culture, was seen as a clever commentary on shared experiences across racial lines. However, critics on the right dismissed the humor as offensive and out of touch, with some claiming it contributed to SNL’s declining relevance.

The controversy underscores the ongoing cultural divide in the U.S., with SNL continuing to serve as a lightning rod for political satire. While the show has long lampooned figures from both sides of the political spectrum, its portrayal of Trump and his supporters has drawn particular ire from conservatives, who argue it reflects liberal bias. The reaction to Hanks’ performance highlights the challenges of navigating humor in a deeply polarized political climate.

MAGA Melts Down Over Tom Hanks Playing Racist Trump Fan on ‘SNL50’

MAGA Melts Down Over Tom Hanks Playing Racist Trump Fan on ‘SNL50’

Supporters of President Donald Trump lost their mind Sunday night at the reappearance of a Trump-loving conservative character on Saturday Night Live’

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Republicans up in arms over return of Tom Hanks’ racist Trump supporter on SNL50

Republicans up in arms over return of Tom Hanks’ racist Trump supporter on SNL50

The 50th-anniversary special of ‘SNL’ aired on Sunday

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MAGA babies prove again they don't know how to take a joke

MAGA babies prove again they don't know how to take a joke

The Republican online community are freaking out about actor Tom Hanks' appearance as a MAGA character during the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversa

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“It Feels Like A Hate Crime”: Viewers Furious Over Tom Hanks’ “Racist” SNL Appearance

“It Feels Like A Hate Crime”: Viewers Furious Over Tom Hanks’ “Racist” SNL Appearance

Tom Hanks’ recent appearance on Saturday Night Live had certain groups online saying: “This is why SNL is in the toilet.” Reprising the character of

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‘SNL 50’: Tom Hanks Delivers “In Memoriam” Semi-Tribute To “Characters And Sketches That Have Aged Horribly”

‘SNL 50’: Tom Hanks Delivers “In Memoriam” Semi-Tribute To “Characters And Sketches That Have Aged Horribly”

In its 50th anniversary special, 'Saturday Night Live' owned up to stereotypes it has perpetuated while also coaxing laughs out of the passage of time

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Eddie Murphy’s Tracy Morgan Impression and MAGA Tom Hanks Steal the Show on ‘Black Jeopardy’ at ‘SNL50’

Eddie Murphy’s Tracy Morgan Impression and MAGA Tom Hanks Steal the Show on ‘Black Jeopardy’ at ‘SNL50’

“Black Jeopardy,” one of Kenan Thompson’s most popular recurring “Saturday Night Live” sketches, came back to 30 Rock during the show’s 50th anniversa

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Tom Hanks and ‘SNL50’ Highlight the Show’s Problematic Past, From Ethnic Stereotypes to Sexual Harassment Jokes and Adrien Brody’s Dreadlocks

Tom Hanks and ‘SNL50’ Highlight the Show’s Problematic Past, From Ethnic Stereotypes to Sexual Harassment Jokes and Adrien Brody’s Dreadlocks

During SNL50, Tom Hanks deadpanned the opening of what seemed to be an in memoriam segment, but was about the show's jokes that didn't age well.

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Trapezium Trailer: Pop Idol Anime Now Streaming Only on Crunchyroll

Trapezium Trailer: Pop Idol Anime Now Streaming Only on Crunchyroll

Trapezium, the hit Pop Idol anime adapted from the novel by Kazumi Takayama, is now streaming only on Crunchyroll - here's a look!

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Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson ‘walk out’ of SNL 50th anniversary concert

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson ‘walk out’ of SNL 50th anniversary concert

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson ‘walk out’ of SNL 50th anniversary concert Source: Peacock

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Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Walk Out Of ‘SNL50’ Concert After Jimmy Fallon Said No Awards Would Be Given Out In Funny Bit

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson Walk Out Of ‘SNL50’ Concert After Jimmy Fallon Said No Awards Would Be Given Out In Funny Bit

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson participated in a funny bit during the three-hour concert special celebrating 'Saturday Night Live's 50-year history.

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Tom Hanks storms out of 'SNL50' anniversary event as Jimmy Fallon jokes | The Express Tribune

Tom Hanks storms out of 'SNL50' anniversary event as Jimmy Fallon jokes | The Express Tribune

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson left the SNL 50th event after Jimmy Fallon jokes about no awards being given.

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Tom Hanks' 'The Moonwalkers' makes US premiere at Space Center Houston

Tom Hanks' 'The Moonwalkers' makes US premiere at Space Center Houston

It is not unusual to see a Saturn V launch while viewing a film at Space Center Houston. Now, with The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks, that spe

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Tom Hanks’ cliffside LA home narrowly avoids wildfire, stunning photos show

Tom Hanks’ cliffside LA home narrowly avoids wildfire, stunning photos show

The iconic actor and his wife, Rita Wilson, have owned the $26 million residence since 2010.

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Here review – Hanks and Wright add folksy charm to Robert Zemeckis single-place drama

Here review – Hanks and Wright add folksy charm to Robert Zemeckis single-place drama

Set in the same spot – from prehistory onwards – Zemeckis’s sentimental drama is an odd combination of cosmic ambition and domestic intimacy

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Ron Howard Says Tom Hanks Had to Take Off His Pants in Front of the 'Mona Lisa' While Filming 'The Da Vinci Code'

Ron Howard Says Tom Hanks Had to Take Off His Pants in Front of the 'Mona Lisa' While Filming 'The Da Vinci Code'

Director Ron Howard offered an anecdote about the making of 'The Da Vinci Code,' and how star Tom Hanks wound up with no pants on in front of the worl

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‘SNL’ 50th Anniversary Special Sets Dave Chappelle, Tom Hanks, Kim Kardashian, Sabrina Carpenter and More Guests

‘SNL’ 50th Anniversary Special Sets Dave Chappelle, Tom Hanks, Kim Kardashian, Sabrina Carpenter and More Guests

Dave Chappelle, Tom Hanks, Kim Kardashian and Sabrina Carpenter are among the list of A-listers joining the 'SNL' 50th anniversary special.

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