Colin Jost fears Scarlett Johansson's reaction to shocking jokes
- Colin Jost participated in the annual joke swap tradition during SNL's Weekend Update, delivering jokes written by Michael Che.
- Johansson, watching backstage, expressed genuine concern and amusement as her husband made jokes about their marriage and their child.
- The segment prompted a mixed response from viewers, sparking debates over the boundaries of comedy and sensitivity in current entertainment.
In the United States, during the 'Weekend Update' segment of 'Saturday Night Live', comedian Colin Jost delivered a series of controversial jokes about his wife, actress Scarlett Johansson, who was watching him from backstage on December 21, 2024. The jokes, which included references to their personal lives and cultural topics, sparked intense viewer reactions due to their political incorrectness. Jost, who had been tasked with using a 'Black voice' during his performance, faced embarrassment as the camera frequently cut to Johansson's reactions in real time. She appeared to be both disapproving and amused as she shook her head and took sips from her drink while Jost made light of sensitive subjects like race and relationships. This year's holiday joke swap tradition allowed Michael Che and Jost to exchange pre-written jokes that neither had seen before, amplifying the unexpectedness of Jost's material. Johansson, who was worried about the jabs at her expense, has previously expressed her nervousness when watching her husband perform on 'SNL'. The audience's feedback varied widely, with some viewers feeling the jokes crossed the line into insensitivity while others enjoyed the humorous nature of the segment. Despite the mixed reactions from the crowd, the segment fueled discussions online about the appropriateness of humor around serious topics such as race and marriage. Jost's routine touched on issues like slavery reparations and his family life with Johansson, heightening the dilemma of balancing humor with respect for sensitive subjects. This ongoing debate around comedy's boundaries remains a relevant theme in contemporary entertainment. The couple, who married in 2020 and welcomed their son Cosmo in 2021, has been in the public eye for their relationship both on and offstage. Jost's jokes referenced their personal milestones, including Johansson's recent 40th birthday and their parenting experiences. The skit not only entertained the audience but also pushed viewers to consider the line between humor and insensitivity. With Johansson's reactions serving as a backdrop, the segment acted as a microcosm of the current cultural climate regarding comedy, race, and personal disclosure in public life.