The show didn’t hold back…
Saturday Night Live finally took aim at the ongoing defamation trail between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard, focusing on the alleged ‘poo in the bed’ incident.
The trial – in which Depp is suing his former spouse for $50m in defamation damages following an op-ed she wrote for the Washington Post about domestic abuse – is currently on hiatus and due to restart on May 16.
However in the meantime, long-time American variety show SNL finally took aim at the media circus surrounding this live-streamed trial in the cold open sketch of its latest episode on May 14, hosted by Only Murders in the Building star Selena Gomez.
Starting with Kate McKinnon portraying MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace, the show’s go-to impressionist began by highlighting the various woes faced by the world lately – including political fallout following the January 6 riots, conflict between Russia and Ukraine and a baby formula shortage across the United States.
However according to McKinnon’s Wallace, each of these newsworthy stories is trumped by the “Johnny Depp, Amber Heard cuckoo trial.”
She continued, explaining that: “Look, I know it’s not the most pertinent story of the moment but with all the problems in the world, isn’t it nice to have a news story we can all collectively watch and say ‘eugh… glad it ain’t me'”
The show then cuts to a mock courtroom where fellow SNL player Kyle Mooney plays a constantly smirking Depp being questioned by lawyers who – like audiences – appear to be more engrossed in the gossipy hearsay elements of the trial than the trial itself.
A lawyer played by Aidy Bryant then reveals that she has access to surveillance footage which shows Depp’s house staff discovering the alleged faecal matter in the bed.
Following objections by cast member Heidi Gardner portraying Heard’s lawyer, Cecily Strong‘s judge responds with the line: “I’ll allow it because it does sound fun – and this trial is for fun” – clearly highlighting the media frenzy which has now surrounded this high profile court case.
Watch the full clip below:
However the skit seems to have divided fans, who aren’t quite sure what to make of the live-on-air moment.
This Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial is hilarious! ?#SNL pic.twitter.com/ixGnyoUJli
— Saúl Alejandro (@SaulAlejandr00) May 15, 2022
Who lied to Kyle Mooney that he could pull off Johnny Depp? #snl
— UntemperedTelevision (@UntemperedTV) May 15, 2022
Leave it to #SNL be not only late, but also ignorant and unfunny as they make fun of the Johnny Depp trial… didn’t even have the balls to have any cast member play crying Amber Heard. ? let alone get any of the other trial players right. Lame #JusticeForJohnny pic.twitter.com/XGDyTFt5oa
— Andy Signore (@andysignore) May 15, 2022
not johnny depp and amber heard case on #SNL pic.twitter.com/ZoF48jYmUT
— te amo selena gomez ? (@superhbics) May 15, 2022
Depp and Heard’s trial is due to resume on Monday May 16.
Related links:
- Amber Heard once admitted to being behind poo in the bed, security guard says in court
- Bakery sends Amber Heard a severed finger cake and vodka bottle – and it does not go down well
- Fan spends $30K to attend Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial