Victoria Jackson denies ‘slamming' Tom Hanks over SNL 50 MAGA sketch: Exclusive
Following the SNL 50 event, several media outlets — including TMZ — published stories claiming Jackson was offended by Hanks' return as 'Doug' in the Black Jeopardy sketch. Jackson, however, insists the headlines misrepresented her views.
'TMZ exaggerated everything I said and put it up,' Jackson stated. 'I had a great time at the reunion… It was fun, exciting, and interesting.'
'Saturday Night Live' will next feature Lady Gaga, Shane Gillis and Tate McRae
While she admitted that she wasn't a fan of the sketch, she said it wasn't surprising, as she believes SNL has always been critical of Trump supporters.
'SNL always puts down Trump supporters — there's nothing new about that. Every sketch they write bashes Trump,' Jackson explained. 'When I saw the sketch, I thought, 'Oh brother.' But I don't think Tom Hanks wrote it. Tom didn't have to do it, but I wasn't mad at him. I've worked with him before, and I love him.'
Welcome to 'The Scoop' — the ultimate back-to-the-office water cooler cheat sheet, your go-to source for all things everyone really wants to know! Get the latest on everything from the political swamp maneuvering in D.C. and Hollywood drama to jaw-dropping small-town shenanigans from Paula Froelich.
Despite the viral controversy, Jackson described her real-life interaction with Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, at the SNL 50 event as warm and friendly.
'We all said hello,' she recalled. 'I hugged Rita, who is a fellow breast cancer survivor. She's super sweet and kind.'
Many fans questioned whether Jackson actually attended the event, as she wasn't featured in any on-camera moments or sketches. Jackson confirmed that she was there in the studio but seated off to the side.
'They put (producer Lorne Michaels') favorite people in prominent sections on camera, and they put people who aren't hot on the side,' she said.
She was seated near several cast members who were only on SNL for one season, but she made it clear she wasn't upset about her placement.
'I don't have hurt feelings. If I had to choose between me and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively (who are all over the press these days), I'd choose them too!'
Jackson also reflected on her experience at the SNL 40th Anniversary Special, revealing that she was initially placed in an overflow room instead of the main studio. It wasn't until SNL writer Robert Smigel noticed and intervened that she was brought into the live event.
Despite her political differences with SNL, Jackson said she still found moments to enjoy, particularly highlighting the return of Rachel Dratch's 'Debbie Downer' sketch.
'The show has always been liberally biased, but I find there are funny moments,' she said.
'Saturday Night Live' 50th anniversary special watched by nearly 15 million people
While acknowledging that she expects criticism for her conservative views, she remains grateful for her time on SNL.
'I assume most people in the media are liberally biased. I've always expected to be persecuted — Jesus was persecuted. But Lorne respected me and gave me the best job of my life, so I'm grateful.'
Despite viral headlines suggesting otherwise, Victoria Jackson did not 'slam' Tom Hanks for his SNL 50 appearance. While she didn't agree with the MAGA sketch, she insists she had a great time at the reunion, enjoyed reconnecting with fellow cast members, and remains grateful for her time on SNL.
'Saturday Night Live' stars name their favorite sketches and reflect on show's legacy
Meanwhile, Jackson has great taste in the news. When she found out I was calling from NewsNation she exclaimed: 'I love NewsNation!' We love you too, Victoria.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Father of 10 Eddie Murphy, 64, Just Gave Pete Davidson the Ultimate Effortless Parenting Advice
Father of 10 Eddie Murphy, 64, Just Gave Pete Davidson the Ultimate Effortless Parenting Advice originally appeared on Parade. When a comedy legend who's raised 10 children offers parenting advice, you listen. Eddie Murphy just delivered the most reassuring words any nervous father-to-be could hear, telling Pete Davidson during their show appearance that parenting requires no effort because "you're wired to do the right thing by your child." The 64-year-old comedy icon's wisdom came during promotion for their new film , when Al Roker asked Davidson about his upcoming fatherhood journey. The 31-year-old SNL star shared his excitement about taking care of someone and getting "out of my own head" since "it's not about me now." But it was Murphy's response that truly resonated. When asked if he'd given Davidson parenting advice, Davidson revealed his philosophy: "The best advice was no advice. You can't tell someone how to parent." Murphy's follow-up was even more comforting: "There's no effort in it! You're wired to do the right thing by your child." For Davidson, who's navigating his first experience with fatherhood, hearing this from someone with Murphy's extensive parenting experience must feel incredibly reassuring. The Brooklyn native has raised children across decades, giving him unique perspective on how natural instincts guide parents through the journey. Murphy's approach reflects a laid-back confidence that comes from years of experience. Rather than overwhelming new parents with endless advice and rules, he emphasizes trusting natural parenting instincts that kick in when your child exchange highlighted the beautiful mentorship dynamic between the two comedians. While they're co-stars promoting their action-comedy about mismatched armored truck drivers facing chaos, their real-life conversation revealed genuine care and wisdom sharing between generations. Davidson's honest admission about being excited to care for someone while acknowledging he doesn't know much about fatherhood shows the vulnerability many first-time parents feel. Murphy's reassuring response offers comfort that parenting skills develop naturally rather than requiring extensive preparation. Fan reactions were mixed, with some appreciating Murphy's confidence while others noted that parenting definitely involves daily effort for most people. Regardless of different experiences, Murphy's core message about trusting parental instincts provides valuable reassurance for any nervous parent-to-be. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 For Davidson, having a comedy legend and experienced father offer such supportive wisdom must feel like the perfect preparation for his upcoming journey into parenthood. Father of 10 Eddie Murphy, 64, Just Gave Pete Davidson the Ultimate Effortless Parenting Advice first appeared on Parade on Jul 31, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Elle
33 minutes ago
- Elle
Elsie Hewitt's Complete Dating History—Up to Her Pete Davidson Chapter
After dating a plethora of famous women, including Ariana Grande, Madelyn Cline, Kaia Gerber, and Kim Kardashian, Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson is expecting a baby with Elsie Hewitt. A London-born model, Hewitt relocated to Los Angeles when she was 10 years old. Before starting her relationship with Davidson, the actress—who recently appeared in an episode of Industry—has been linked to several other high-profile celebrities. Here's what you need to know about Hewitt's dating history. While there are no photos of Hewitt with actor Ryan Phillippe, the pair reportedly dated in 2017. According to People, after the short-lived romance, a then-21-year-old Hewitt 'filed a civil suit in September 2017 against Phillippe, then 43, claiming he got violent after the pair had a fight in July 2017.' An LAPD spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that 'officers made a report into the alleged attack and granted Hewitt an emergency protective order.' Phillippe denied the allegations in a statement posted on X. In court documents obtained by The Blast, Hewitt alleged that Phillippe 'violently threw her down his staircase as hard he could.' The Cruel Intentions star responded in his deposition, saying, '[I]t hadn't occurred to me to call the cops. I'm a famous person. I didn't want to bring that kind of attention to me and my house. And so I attempted to pick her up like a baby. Carrying. Like a child. With one arm under the back and one arm under the legs. And she was flailing. And I made it one step, and I fell back on my bottom, holding her. And that was it.' Page Six reported in October 2019 that Hewitt and Phillippe had settled the lawsuit out of court. Before getting engaged to Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco dated Hewitt. The music producer and model reportedly met while filming the music video for Juice WRLD's 'Graduation.' They subsequently appeared together in two episodes of the FX series Dave. In October 2019, Hewitt sang her partner's praises, writing on X, 'i just saw its #NationalBoyfriendDay i wish u were here instead of being on the titanic but thank u for existing and i don't know what i'd do without u.' The couple made their red carpet debut at the Spotify Best New Artist Party in January 2020, before breaking up later that year. During an appearance on the Good Company podcast in March 2024, Hewitt reflected on her famous ex, admitting, 'I get a little bit salty when my friends go to his house. I'll always love him.' Following her split from Blanco, Hewitt wasn't publicly linked to anyone else until she was spotted on a date with Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis in January 2024. In photos obtained by Page Six, the then-48-year-old actor was seen hugging the 27-year-old model at The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood, California. In July 2024, a source spoke to Life & Style about the relationship, saying, 'Things are going well with Elsie, but Jason has finally come to understand that he has a lot of options and that women do like him for more than just his incredible success.' The insider added, 'Everybody's rooting for Jason and Elsie to make things work.' After attending the US Open in September 2024, Sudeikis and Hewitt didn't make any further public appearances together, and reportedly split later that year. Hewitt was first publicly linked to The King of Staten Island star Pete Davidson in March 2025, when photos captured the pair playfully frolicking in the ocean in Palm Beach—hard-launching their romance with a series of open-mouthed kisses. The same month, Hewitt shared an Instagram post featuring photos and videos taken with Davidson during a trip to Scotland. The couple's romance appeared to move fast, with People reporting in May 2025 that, per a source, the pair had 'been living together in New York for the past few months.' The source continued, 'They're splitting their time between Pete's house in upstate New York and a brownstone they recently started renting in so happy together and doing great.' Davidson accompanied Hewitt to the Endometriosis Foundation of America's 13th Annual Blossom Ball in New York City on May 15, 2025. Speaking to People at the event, the model said of her comedian boyfriend, 'He is so best person I've ever met, and I'm so grateful that he's here tonight.' Hewitt—who lives with endometriosis—told the outlet that Davidson is an incredibly supportive partner, particularly when it comes to soothing her more 'painful' symptoms. 'Pete sets me up with a little heating pad, and it's very sweet, and I just eat whatever,' she explained. 'I'm like, I will allow myself to eat whatever I want and just snuggle up and watch a movie and get deserves a Pete!' After the Fourth of July, the model shared photos from her celebration with Davidson and friends, captioning her Instagram post, 'some happi & grateful moments that got me thru a weird chaotic month.' On July 16, 2025, TMZ revealed that Hewitt is expecting her first child with Davidson, with the baby reportedly 'due this winter.' The outlet noted, 'We're told the pair couldn't be more excited.' The same day, Hewitt confirmed the news on Instagram with a photo dump featuring her ultrasound, along with the caption, 'welp now everyone knows we had sex.' Davidson was quick to share his excitement regarding the pregnancy, telling E! News, 'I'm very lucky and very, very happy.' He said of his future child, 'I assume you just try to give them what you didn't have, and what you didn't like, not do it.' The Bupkis creator revealed that friends and family are 'super excited' about the baby news, 'because they know it's been my dream.' Pete told the outlet, 'They all just have been like, 'You're going to be great at this. It's the best thing you'll ever do in your life.'' Unsurprisingly, Hewitt reportedly shares her boyfriend's enthusiasm about becoming a parent, with a source confirming to Entertainment Tonight (via Instagram), 'Elsie has been wanting to start a family for quite some time, and is happy to be doing it with always wanted to be a mom.'
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Bowen Yang jokes about replacing 'Weekend Update' stars Colin Jost, Michael Che on 'SNL'
Bowen Yang had an update this week: He wants to bring "Las Culturistas" to "Saturday Night Live" – and replace his "Weekend Update" costars. The "SNL" cast member joked with his podcast cohost Matt Rogers on the July 29 episode of "Hot Ones Versus" that he wanted to get rid of Colin Jost and Michael Che – mock news anchors on the NBC sketch series – who have hosted "Update" together since the Season 40 premiere in 2014. During the "Hot Ones" segment, Rogers pointed out "trauma" and brought up that "we both auditioned for 'SNL,' and only you were asked to join," before asking Yang, "If you could have me replace any current 'SNL' cast, who would it be?" 'SNL50' didn't do justice to the past 50 years of comedy: Review "If I could have you replace any current cast member," Yang repeated back, before Rogers quipped about the newest "SNL" breakout star, "Doesn't Marcello (Hernandez) have enough? I think he's going to be fine." Hernandez, the show's first Gen Z cast member, boasts over 4 million followers on TikTok and Instagram. Yang finally revealed his pick, telling Rogers that "I love Marcello so much" and admitted that "I'm going to give (Michael) Che and Colin (Jost) the chop so that you and I can do '(Weekend) Update' together." Stephen Colbert inquires about a new gig after 'Late Show' cancellation "I love that, I think we'd be great at 'Update.' We'd give a new fresh take," Rogers added. Yang and Rogers' popular comedy podcast "Las Culturistas" has become a pop culture sensation over the past decade. Since 2016, the pair have risen to podcasting superstardom with their celebrity interviews and discussions of pop culture. Recent guests include former first lady Michelle Obama, her brother Craig Robinson, "SNL" alum Amy Poehler, pop star Chappell Roan, former "Bachelorette" leading lady Gabby Windey and music legend Lady Gaga. The pair are set to host the highly anticipated Las Culturistas Culture Awards 2025, which celebrates buzzy cultural moments, on Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo. The show was taped July 17 in Los Angeles.
