UPDATE: Comedian Nikki Glaser is facing intense backlash following her controversial opening monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired on October 14, 2023. The nearly 9-minute skit has drawn criticism for its alarming jokes about sex trafficking and pedophilia, prompting a wave of outrage on social media.
In her monologue, Glaser, 41, began with a cheeky welcome to New York City, labeling it as the “original island” of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She then made a jarring statement about being “obsessed with slavery recently,” while discussing nail salon workers and the presence of human trafficking warning signs in public restrooms.
“Every time you go to a public women’s restroom and you sit in the stall, there’s always a poster asking if you’re being trafficked,” Glaser remarked, sparking immediate outrage. She added, “They’re in every stall. They’re in every world language. The English is really tiny and it’s like, ‘You wish.’”
Glaser also invoked her younger self’s fears of becoming a victim of trafficking and made a troubling comparison to Epstein’s former associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking. These jokes have resonated poorly with many audiences, with critics taking to social media to express their disapproval.
One critic tweeted, “Is #NikkiGlaser really that braindead in 2025?” Another user commented, “This would land better for a Netflix special maybe, but not ‘SNL.’” A third added, “Pedophilia jokes. Believe these people when they tell you who they are. Stay classy, ‘SNL.’”
Despite the backlash, some defended Glaser, arguing that her jokes highlighted critical issues surrounding trafficking awareness. “She gave awareness to resources if one was being trafficked,” one supporter stated.
While the comedian’s edgy style has garnered praise in the past, this latest performance has left many questioning the appropriateness of her material for a mainstream platform like SNL. Reactions continue to pour in, and many are calling for a reassessment of the content featured on the iconic show.
As this story develops, both Glaser and NBC have yet to provide official comments regarding the uproar. The incident raises critical discussions about the boundaries of comedy, especially concerning sensitive societal issues.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds and public reactions continue to evolve.