SNL Criticized for Mocking UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting During “Weekend Update”

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is under fire for its recent “Weekend Update” segment, where hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che used the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as material for comedic commentary. The skit focused on the suspect’s appearance and criticized the NYPD for its inability to apprehend the gunman. While some viewers saw the segment as satirical commentary on societal issues, others deemed it insensitive and disrespectful to the grieving family.

The controversy stems from jokes made about the suspect, who fatally shot Thompson outside a Manhattan Hilton hotel last week. Thompson, 50, was preparing to address an investor conference when the masked assailant shot him before fleeing the scene on an electric bike. Authorities believe the shooter then escaped through Central Park and later took a bus from the Port Authority terminal.

🚨🇺🇸 SNL ROASTED FOR UHC CEO MURDER JOKES: “TOO SOON?”

“Saturday Night Live” landed in hot water after its “Weekend Update” cracked jokes about UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder.

Colin Jost:

“A guy was murdered in cold blood, and the two main reactions were, ‘Yeah,… pic.twitter.com/SzcwPRHWfi

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 8, 2024

During the segment, Jost quipped, “It really says something about America that a guy was murdered in cold blood, and the two main reactions were, ‘Yeah, well, health care stinks,’ and also, ‘Giiiirl, that shooter hot.’” Che followed up with a remark about the public fascination with the suspect’s looks, referencing reports that the man was seen flirting with a hostel employee shortly after the crime.

The jokes sparked outrage online, with viewers accusing SNL of trivializing a tragic event. One YouTube commenter wrote, “Disgusting. I couldn’t watch the segment. The victim’s family and friends are grieving right now.” Another viewer expressed disappointment, saying, “Joking about someone’s murder like that is absolutely disgusting… a family is grieving right now.”

‘𝐒𝐍𝐋’ 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 ‘𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬’ 𝐒𝐞𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 pic.twitter.com/9ojyVxkmMz

— 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑒𝑟! ．．𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝒫𝒶𝓂 (@PAMsLOvE) December 8, 2024

The criticism extended to social media, with one long-time viewer on X (formerly Twitter) calling the segment “distasteful and disrespectful.” Others urged SNL to be more mindful of their content, particularly when addressing such sensitive topics.

The case itself remains unsolved, with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, intensifying their manhunt for the suspect. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has stated that police know the suspect’s identity but are withholding details to aid the investigation.

Despite the backlash, the segment has reignited conversations about how media and entertainment platforms balance satire with sensitivity, particularly when addressing real-life tragedies.

SNL crossing the line again some things just aren’t funny.

— Masculine Based (@MasculineBased) December 8, 2024

They haven't been funny in 10 years.

— R3birth.eth (@pwniR3birth) December 8, 2024

Makes me glad I stopped watching that dreck some years back.

— Jill (@jillyconjem) December 8, 2024

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Shivam Kumar

Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....