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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8R3EXXlKxg
However the skit seems to have divided fans, who aren't quite sure what to make of the live-on-air moment.
https://twitter.com/SaulAlejandr00/status/1525726872062922752?s=20&t=1EplTLvYhFfvzCaRRUCO9A
https://twitter.com/UntemperedTV/status/1525681706736427008?s=20&t=1EplTLvYhFfvzCaRRUCO9A
https://twitter.com/andysignore/status/1525686349147299841?s=20&t=1EplTLvYhFfvzCaRRUCO9A
https://twitter.com/superhbics/status/1525681815473766403?s=20&t=1EplTLvYhFfvzCaRRUCO9A
Depp and Heard's trial is due to resume on Monday May 16.
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