Comedian's Monologue Triggers Widespread Backlash
Saturday Night Live viewers across the UK and beyond have expressed outrage and disgust following comedian Nikki Glaser's controversial opening monologue. The 41-year-old stand-up comic, known for her provocative material, stunned audiences with jokes that many felt crossed acceptable boundaries by making light of serious subjects including rape, incest, paedophilia, and sex trafficking.
Controversial Content That Shocked Viewers
During her approximately nine-minute opening segment, Glaser began by referring to New York City as '[Jeffery] Epstein's original island', immediately setting a controversial tone. She then targeted awareness posters in women's restrooms about human trafficking, suggesting men's bathrooms might feature signs reading: 'Want a slave? Text TRAFFIC to 6969.'
The comedian further provoked reaction when discussing her friends' fears about being trafficked, bluntly stating: 'In my 20s, I just feared like good old-fashioned rape', adding that she didn't consider it 'a career' but rather 'a temp job on a frat-house futon'.
Most controversially, Glaser shared an anecdote about staying at her sister's house where her four-year-old nephew asked to shower with her. After clarifying the child's actual age, she recounted her sister's permission for the shower, leading to Glaser's jarring question: 'Because what if I molest him?' She continued: 'I don't even trust myself I don't want to go in there. How do you become a pedophile? You don't get to choose what you're into, dude.'
Immediate Public Reaction and Defence
The monologue sparked instant backlash across social media platforms, with viewers calling the material inappropriate and tasteless. One X user commented: 'Nikki Glaser used to be quietly funny, but she's also a roaster and shock comedian; however, that monologue and first skit feels inappropriate for not just our current landscape but for life in general #SNL.'
Another viewer expressed particular offence at the timing, noting: 'I barely watched it after this because Nikki Glaser's monologue about sex trafficking girls was f**king offensive. On any day, I wouldn't think it was funny but especially, with the poor victims of Epstein speaking out.'
The controversy extended to a subsequent sketch featuring Glaser and Tommy Brennan as inappropriately close siblings during a family karaoke night, with one woman noting: 'The incest sketch on tonight's snl might have been a tad funny if it hadn't been immediately preceded by Nikki Glaser jokingly contemplating pedophilia in her opening monologue.'
Despite overwhelming criticism, some viewers defended Glaser's approach, with one supporter stating: 'Nikki Glaser is a f**king pro. Best monologue in ages,' while another simply said: 'I thought she was funny.'
The divisive performance has sparked broader conversations about comedy boundaries and taste, particularly regarding sensitive subjects affecting vulnerable populations.
