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SNL Skit Lampoons Elon Musk, Drawing Mixed Reactions
Saturday Night Live (SNL) recently aired a cold open sketch that heavily parodied Elon Musk, eliciting a range of responses from the live studio audience and viewers watching from home. The SNL skit, targeting the Tesla CEO, sparked both amusement and criticism, with some finding the humor uncomfortable while others praised its comedic approach.
Musk Mocked in Opening Skit
In the skit, actor Mike Myers portrayed the Tesla and SpaceX head, engaging with a Donald Trump impersonator, played by James Austin Johnson. Myers, as Musk, donned a cheese hat, referencing a similar incident where Musk wore one at a Wisconsin rally on March 31.
‘Say cheese! Hahahaha, kidding, kidding,’ Myers quipped, discarding the hat. He then alluded to attempting to influence the Wisconsin election, stating, ‘That was from when I tried to buy the election in Wisconsin, uhhhh, I’m an idiot, I should’ve just bought Wisconsin,’ before feigning a ‘glitch,’ a recurring joke on SNL mocking Musk.
Johnson, impersonating Trump, further poked fun at Musk’s temporary role heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), saying, ‘Elon it was great, but sadly, it’s time to never see you again, OK? You gotta get back to Tesla, right? Because they’re doing pretty bad.’
Myers, as Musk, responded, ‘Yes, recently our dealerships have been the target of many attacks and suddenly, no one likes Tesla cars. So, I ask myself why and then I answered myself, ’cause of me,’ followed by an awkward dance and chuckle.
‘Self-Vandalizing’ Tesla Model V Introduced in Parody
The SNL skit continued its pointed parody by unveiling a fictional new Tesla model, the ‘Model V,’ described as a ‘self-vandalizing’ electric vehicle. This mock car boasted features such as smashed headlights, slashed tires, and ‘AI-powered graffiti’ capable of displaying images like penises or swastikas.
Viewer Discomfort and Anger
The show’s satirical take on Musk triggered unease and anger among a segment of viewers. One observer labeled the skit ‘really poor,’ adding, ‘Making fun of high functioning Asperger’s is so typical of the mentally ill left,’ referencing Musk’s public disclosure of his Asperger’s diagnosis on SNL four years prior.
Reactions on Social Media
Autism Capital, an X account frequently engaging with Musk, voiced their disapproval, stating, ‘This is such exceedingly bad taste. Wow. Not ever funny, just mean. Born from hate, not from humor.’
Elon Musk himself responded to the skit on X, commenting, ‘SNL hasn’t been funny in a long time. They are their own parody.’
Other viewers echoed this sentiment, with one writing, ‘Not funny. Same as always,’ and another adding, ‘Uhhhh that opening was not funny. Less politics, more comedy.’
One user commented, ‘Funny… until Mike Myers shows up,’ while another stated, ‘Trumps part was good but they really need to rethink the Elon part. Cringe and not funny at all.’
Defense of the SNL Skit
Conversely, some viewers found the SNL skit humorous and entertaining. Responses ranged from ‘Perfection,’ to ‘brilliant,’ and ‘Funny as hell.’ Another viewer asserted Myers ‘nailed’ his portrayal of Musk, and someone else exclaimed, ‘F***ing hilarious Mike hit his mark again.’
Musk’s Asperger’s Disclosure on SNL
Musk initially shared his Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis, an autism spectrum condition affecting social interaction and nonverbal communication, in 2021 during his own SNL hosting appearance.
‘I’m actually making history tonight as the first person with Asperger’s to host SNL. Or at least the first to admit it. So I won’t make a lot of eye contact with the cast tonight,’ Musk stated in his monologue.
He then discussed his aspiration for humanity to ‘become a multiplanetary spacefaring civilization’ and joked about his unconventional behavior and frequent unusual social media posts.
‘Look I know I sometimes say or post strange things, but that’s just how my brain works,’ the SpaceX CEO explained. ‘To anyone I’ve offended, I just want to say: I reinvented electric cars and I’m sending humans to Mars on a rocket ship. Did you also think I was going to be a chill, normal dude?’
Musk’s Government Role and Departure
Reports indicate that Musk will soon step back from his governmental advisory role. Sources suggest this move, revealed to Trump’s Cabinet, signals a return to his focus on his business ventures.
This reported shift has reportedly caused ripples in the stock market and Washington circles. Musk’s position as a special government employee was slated to conclude in May, but his earlier departure amid controversy represents a notable change in his relationship with the Trump administration.
Recent Incidents Involving Tesla Vehicles
In recent weeks, Tesla, Musk’s electric vehicle company, has been the subject of alleged vandalism incidents. One instance captured on video purportedly shows a woman damaging a Tesla in front of children in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Authorities are reportedly investigating the incident.
Globally, this trend has also been observed, evidenced by a recent arson incident at a Tesla showroom in Italy. The fire, under police investigation, resulted in the destruction of 17 electric cars.
Fire officials stated the blaze began early in the morning, causing partial damage to the dealership but no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials exploring all potential factors.