‘Saturday Night Live’ Faces Backlash Over Jokes About UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder

Saturday Night Live has drawn criticism for its handling of the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson during the “Weekend Update” segment of its latest episode. The sketch comedy show spent over a minute discussing the killing and America’s fascination with the alleged shooter’s appearance, sparking outrage from viewers who felt the jokes were inappropriate given the circumstances.

“The manhunt continues for the assassin who gunned down the CEO of United Healthcare on Wednesday, and 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, ‘Girl, that shooter hot,’” co-host Colin Jost remarked.

Many viewers took to social media to express their disapproval, condemning the segment as insensitive to Thompson’s grieving family. Thompson, 50, is survived by his wife and two sons.

“Disgusting. I couldn’t watch this segment. The victim’s family and friends are very much grieving right now,” one YouTube commenter wrote, while another added, “Joking about someone’s murder like that is absolutely disgusting.”

The criticism continued on other platforms, with one user on X calling the jokes “classless” and another long-time viewer writing, “SNL, you need to do better.”

The segment also included a joke by co-host Michael Che referencing the NYPD’s investigation into the shooting. “New York City police say that they were able to get the smiling picture of the suspect after the man apparently was caught on camera at a local hostel, flirting with a female employee, whose name has been reported as, ‘Lucky S. Bechalive,’” Che quipped.

Jost further criticized officials for their handling of the crime. “This week, New York City officials sent a tough message on crime: ‘If you shoot somebody in the middle of the street, you better get on your bike, hop on a bus, and get the heck out of here, mister,’” he said, referencing reports that the suspect fled the scene by bicycle.

Despite the backlash, some viewers found the segment entertaining, particularly jokes about the Port Authority.

“The NYPD now believes the suspect left the city on a bus from Port Authority. Thanks, but a Port Authority passenger who looks like a murderer actually widens the search,” Jost concluded.

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