Nikki Glaser Faces Backlash for Controversial Jokes on SNL

UPDATE: Comedian Nikki Glaser is under fire for her shocking opening monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where she made controversial jokes about sex trafficking and pedophilia. The backlash erupted just hours after her performance aired on July 15, 2023, with critics calling her remarks “disgusting” and “braindead.”

During her nearly nine-minute skit on NBC, Glaser referred to New York City as the “original island” of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She went on to joke about being “obsessed with slavery recently,” while discussing nail salon workers and human trafficking warning signs in public restrooms, asserting, “You can go to the nail salon with a friend, but you get separated at the border.”

Glaser’s jokes included uncomfortable references to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, claiming her friends feel safe with her because traffickers might mistake her for a “madam.” Critics on social media were swift to respond, with one user on X stating, “Is #NikkiGlaser really that braindead in 2025?”

While some applauded her for raising awareness about serious issues, the overwhelming sentiment among viewers was one of disappointment. Critics argued that her edgy humor did not translate well to the SNL audience, with comments like, “This wasn’t the right audience… not ‘SNL’” surfacing rapidly.

Glaser, 41, continued her monologue by sharing a story about her 4-year-old nephew, leading to more uncomfortable laughter among the audience. “What if I molest him?” she recalled asking her sister, who jokingly responded, “Would you?!” Many found this segment particularly troubling, revealing the delicate line between humor and sensitivity around such serious topics.

As the backlash grows, many are questioning how SNL’s producers allowed such contentious material to make it to air. Official representatives for Glaser and NBC have yet to comment on the uproar.

This incident highlights the ongoing debate about comedy and its boundaries, especially regarding sensitive societal issues. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Glaser and the network will address the mounting criticism.

For now, social media buzz indicates a significant divide in audience reactions, with some defending Glaser’s intent while others demand accountability. This is a story that is far from over.