Overview
- Tourettes Action called the video "not acceptable," saying it misrepresents tics and has fueled trolling and harassment of the community.
- The PSA-style piece, cut for time then posted online, featured SNL cast as figures such as Mel Gibson, J.K. Rowling, Bill Cosby and Ye claiming Tourette’s explains their past behavior.
- Backlash gathered pace as journalists and comedians labeled the bit "shameful" and "disgusting," though some viewers contended the target was celebrity excuse-making rather than the condition.
- The sketch references campaigner John Davidson’s involuntary slur at the BAFTAs, which the BBC later apologized for airing in error on a two-hour delay as BAFTA proceeds with a review.
- Separate remarks by NAACP Image Awards host Deon Cole about the incident drew criticism and defense, and NBC/SNL have not provided a substantive response.