In her debut as host of NBC’s late-night sketch show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), Ayo Edebiri, known for her role in the hit show “The Bear,” didn’t hold back on poking fun at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The former royals, who famously stepped down from their royal duties and relocated to the United States, became the subject of Edebiri’s biting monologue.
Taking the stage with a mix of emotions, Edebiri expressed how much SNL meant to her and how it was a dream come true to host the show.
Drawing a comparison between herself and her co-host Steve Martin, she humorously remarked, “You know Steve, we are like Harry and Meghan, no one’s rooting for us but you’ll tune in to watch anyway.”
Edebiri also made light of her own background, proudly declaring herself as the first black woman to admit being born and raised in Boston, thereby making black history.
However, her focus quickly shifted to Harry and Meghan, who have faced intense scrutiny and criticism following their departure from the royal family.
Referencing their Netflix documentary, “Harry and Meghan,” Edebiri humorously described it as a four-hour-long cry for help.
She expressed both sympathy and annoyance towards the couple, acknowledging the racism, media scrutiny, and family drama they’ve endured.
However, she couldn’t help but jest about their seemingly endless list of achievements, saying, “I mean come on, Harry and Meghan, you have it all…what more do you want?”
Continuing her comedic critique, Edebiri mocked the couple’s claims of desiring privacy and freedom, pointing out their constant presence in the public eye and their numerous contractual obligations.
She playfully suggested that they should stop complaining and move on, reminding them that they are not the first to face challenges or make a documentary.
Edebiri concluded her monologue by expressing her excitement for the night and her gratitude for working with her best friends on the show.
She left the stage with a simple yet impactful statement, “Let’s hop onto it now.”
While Edebiri’s monologue received laughter and applause from the live audience, it sparked mixed reactions from viewers and the media.
Some praised her wit and honesty, applauding her for speaking the truth about Harry and Meghan.
On the other hand, critics condemned her for being rude, mean, and disrespectful towards the couple.
Undoubtedly, the controversy surrounding Edebiri’s monologue will only serve to increase the interest and ratings of SNL, a show known for its political and social satire.
This isn’t the first time Harry and Meghan have been targeted by SNL’s humor, as they have become frequent subjects of the show’s sketches and segments.
In the end, Edebiri’s monologue showcased her comedic talent and fearlessness in tackling sensitive topics.
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that her performance has left an indelible mark on SNL’s history.