AMERICAN comedy institution Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been criticised on social media following a sketch depicting Irish actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
The clip was shared on the SNL Twitter account, where it prompted a backlash from users.
One user described it as 'horribly offensive', while another said it relied on 'worn out Irish stereotypes'.
Meanwhile, acclaimed Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee shared the skit with a facepalm emoji.
Drinking gag
The clip showed SNL cast members Mikey Day and Molly Kearney portraying Farrell and Gleeson as they are asked about their chances of winning Oscars for The Banshees of Inisherin.
The pair reply with thick, incomprehensible accents, to which one of the interviewers, played by Marcello Hernandez, replies: "Wow! And they haven't even started drinking yet!"
Farrell, who has previously spent time in rehab, has been teetotal since 2006.
Social media users condemned the clip ahead of tonight's Oscars, where Farrell and Gleeson are both up for awards.
Also Colin Farrell has been sober for 20 years you witless ghouls but sure, make sure abysmal jokes
— Declan Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) March 12, 2023
God, this is absolutely dreadful stuff @nbcsnl. I’m Irish and I find this more disappointing than I find it offensive - if worn out Irish stereotypes are the best your writers can come up with then I think SNL’s future looks like it’ll be pretty unremarkable. Do better.
— Andrew Quinn (@AndrewEQuinn) March 12, 2023
Yes this fine 🤦♀️ https://t.co/Xk5nsYMyqS
— Lisa McGee (@LisaMMcGee) March 12, 2023
The gag that CF and BG - the most charming, articulate, and in-demand double act on the pre-Oscars circuit (including a stint hosting SNL) - are blithering subliterate morons is certainly a comedic choice. Perhaps its because the cast all look to be about 14?
— John Maguire (@JMaguireCritic) March 12, 2023
What the absolute fuck is this??
— Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera (@PantiBliss) March 12, 2023
This is beyond offensive.
— Lorna Claire Weightman (@styleisleIRL) March 12, 2023
Yes this is culturally insulting but more than that I really feel for Colin Farrell.
Achieving sobriety, as I have witnessed in my career, is a dark & challenging path. Addiction comes from a place of trauma or pain. To mock someone who has endured that is appalling. https://t.co/gis4DeUca1
— Cllr Daniel Butler (@DanielButlerFG) March 12, 2023
Farrell and Gleeson both appeared as guests on SNL in October 2022.
The Banshees of Inisherin is up for nine awards at tonight's Oscars.
As well as nods for Farrell and Gleeson, co-stars Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon are also in the running.
Martin McDonagh has been nominated for Best Director while the film is also up for Best Picture.
