SNL star Sarah Sherman finally addresses her controversy with The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood 

While The White Lotus cast and crew were basking in season three's success, a SNL parody of the show caught the internet's attention. While the parody, called The White Potus, handled other characters with humor that was actually funny, it did not handle Aimee Lou Wood's character, Chelsea, well.

Chelsea's portrayal in The White Lotus parody seemed like a mean jab at Lou Wood's teeth and accent. As we had reported about the controversy earlier, the actress had expressed her reaction about it on her Instagram story, saying:

“Such a shame cuz I had such a great time watching it a couple of weeks ago. Yes, take the p**s for sure – that’s what the show is about- but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?”

Sarah Sherman, who played Chelsea in The White Lotus parody, has finally spoken on the controversy, expressing her side of the story.

Sarah Sherman on The White Lotus parody controversy

Sarah Sherman is known for her performance on SNL and has mostly received love throughout her SNL career. However, her portrayal of Aimee Lou Wood's Chelsea did not end well. Sherman played Chelsea in The White Lotus parody, The White Potus, and her look for the skit exaggerated Lou Wood's bunny teeth. Her dialogue delivery had exaggerated Lou Wood's accent as well.

Aimee Lou Wood felt it was distasteful, and so did the audience. Sherman sent Lou Wood flowers as an apology. The White Lotus actress had posted a picture of the flowers on her story and appreciated Sherman's gesture. After a month, Sarah Sherman has finally opened up about the controversy in an interview with Vanity Fair.

In the Vanity Fair interview on May 13, 2025, Sherman said:

“I was excited to play her because she’s so iconic, her character is so iconic, and I fucking obviously never meant to hurt anyone’s feelings. Never in a million years did I get into comedy to make anyone upset. I feel terrible that anyone would feel bad.”

When asked if she is more careful about what might upset the people regarding the portrayals on SNL, after The White Lotus parody controversy, Sarah Sherman said:

"Totally. The show is in constant dialogue with culture as it’s happening, and it happens really fast. [Long pause] You have to be vigilant, you know what I mean? There are a lot of things out of your control. You’re playing a lot of different parts, you’re doing a lot of different roles that you’re not in control of. A lot of the process of the show has been, to me—how am I answering this? [Pause] Staying vigilant but also being a part of the show—that is your job."

While Aimee Lou Wood was hurt by Sarah Sherman and SNL's portrayal of Chelsea, it looks like all parties have moved on. Both SNL and Sarah Sherman have apologized to Aimee Lou Wood, and the actress has acknowledged them via her Instagram story.

All seasons of The White Lotus are streaming on Max.

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