21 Wild and Controversial Moments in SNL History

In celebration of Saturday Night Live’s impressive 50-year run, let’s take a look back at 21 of the most unforgettable and sometimes controversial moments that have graced the iconic stage. From shocking performances to unexpected missteps, these instances have sparked conversations and raised eyebrows, proving just how provocative the show can be.

1. Sinéad O’Connor famously tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II during her rendition of Bob Marley’s “War,” a moment that reverberated through the entertainment community.
3. 2. Adrien Brody took improvisation to an extreme when he donned dreadlocks, spoke in Jamaican patois, and unleashed a barrage of stereotypes while introducing musical guest Sean Paul.
5. 3. Ashlee Simpson’s cringe-worthy mishap unfolded as she was caught lip-syncing during her performance of “Autobiography.” When the wrong track played, her awkward reaction and retreat stunned the audience.
7. 4. Kristen Stewart delivered a memorable monologue with an unintentional f-bomb slip that left the audience in shock.
9. 5. David Bowie’s performance of “Boys Keep Swinging” culminated in a phallic surprise that SNL’s censors failed to catch in time, resulting in a live moment that audiences couldn’t forget.
11. 6. Martin Lawrence strayed off-script during a monologue, sharing explicit personal opinions about women’s hygiene that prompted heavy edits for reruns.
13. 7. Buck Henry hosted an entire episode with a bandaged head after co-star John Belushi inadvertently caused an injury with a sword.
15. 8. Rage Against the Machine’s bold statement involved performing with upside-down American flags, an act that resulted in their immediate removal from the studio after their first song.
17. 9. In a rare move, SNL executive producer Dick Ebersol had the audience vote on whether Andy Kaufman should stay or go, leading to Kaufman being voted off the show.
19. 10. A particularly edgy “Word Association” sketch featured Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor trading racial slurs, showcasing the tensions between the two in a striking way.
21. 11. A controversial joke about Chelsea Clinton’s appearance in a “Wayne’s World” sketch led to public backlash from her parents, prompting apologies from the show’s creators.
23. 12. James Franco’s sketch took an unexpected turn when he accidentally sprayed fake blood directly into Leslie Jones’s mouth, creating a scene that left everyone on edge.
25. 13. The punk rock band Fear brought chaos to a Halloween episode by inciting a mosh pit and using explicit language, ultimately forcing the crew to cut to commercials.
27. 14. Charles Rocket’s on-stage f-bomb resulted in his dismissal, a decision that set the tone for the show’s standards following a tumultuous period.
29. 15. A sketch titled “Commie Hunting Season” included a racial slur that left both the stage and audience in a state of uncomfortable silence, marking one of SNL’s most regrettable moments.
31. 16. Elvis Costello famously halted “Less Than Zero” to perform “Radio, Radio,” defying NBC’s wishes and receiving a ban from the show that only added to his legend.
33. 17. Kanye West drew headlines with an impromptu pro-Trump dissertation that stirred up booing from the audience, before he was ultimately cut off mid-rant.
35. 18. Alec Baldwin and Adam Sandler’s “Canteen Boy and the Scoutmaster” sketch ignited backlash from the Boy Scouts of America for its inappropriate and unfunny take on a sensitive subject.
37. 19. Jenny Slate made an unforgettable debut by accidentally dropping an f-bomb, a slip that was rumored to contribute to her exit from the show soon after.
39. 20. Fred Armisen faced criticism for a sketch where he impersonated the blind then-New York governor David Paterson in a manner that many deemed disrespectful.
41. 21. Cypress Hill made headlines for lighting up a joint during their performance of “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That,” leading to their exclusion from future appearances.

These instances show that SNL is not just a comedy show but a cultural touchstone, continuously pushing the boundaries of humor, politics, and society. Did we overlook any other wild moments? Feel free to share your thoughts.