Advertisement
Colin Jost, known for his work on “Saturday Night Live” and co-anchoring the show’s “Weekend Update” segment, has faced various criticisms and controversies related to his comedy and public statements. Here are some instances where his humor and actions drew backlash:
- Amazon’s Long Island City Headquarters: In 2018, Jost expressed support for Amazon’s plan to build a headquarters in Long Island City, which garnered criticism, especially from Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who opposed the move due to concerns about community impact and gentrification. Jost’s remarks defending Amazon received backlash, and the deal was eventually canceled. Despite later acknowledging some valid criticisms, he remains a fan of the brand.
- Trump vs. Clinton Jokes: During the 2016 presidential campaign, Jost was criticized for making jokes that seemed to present a false equivalence between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Some felt his commentary fed into the media’s narrative of both sides being equally flawed, which didn’t fit well during such a significant political moment.
- Gender Identity Politics Joke: Jost faced backlash for a joke about Tinder offering numerous gender identity options, suggesting it was a reason for Democrats’ loss in the election. Critics found the joke insensitive and accused him of undermining issues related to inclusivity and diversity.
- FIFA World Cup Joke: A joke about the 2022 FIFA World Cup and unpaid workers building stadiums in Qatar received criticism for being insensitive. The comment made light of a serious issue concerning the exploitation and deaths of migrant workers, sparking audience groans and negative reactions.
- Harvard Admission Prank Show Idea: Jost revealed an idea for a hidden camera show called “Admissions Impossible,” which involved tricking students applying to competitive universities. He later admitted the concept was insensitive and reflected poorly on his character.
- Beyoncé Joke: During a “Weekend Update” segment, a joke involving Beyoncé’s appearance drew backlash from the Beyhive, criticizing the humor as disrespectful and perpetuating mean-spirited narratives about the singer.
These instances, among others, have sparked controversy and criticism towards Colin Jost’s comedy, with some audiences finding his jokes insensitive, tone-deaf, or even offensive. Jost has faced backlash for various comments made on and off “Saturday Night Live,” prompting discussions about the impact of humor and the responsibilities of comedians in addressing sensitive topics.