Megyn Kelly has taken aim at Hollywood icon Tom Hanks following his portrayal of a Donald Trump supporter in a recent Saturday Night Live (SNL) special. 

The conservative media personality criticized both Hanks and NBC, accusing them of mocking right-wing voters and pushing a biased political agenda.

Tom Hanks Returns as Doug on SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special

During the SNL 50th-anniversary special, Hanks reprised his role as Doug, a Trump-supporting contestant in the recurring “Black Jeopardy” sketch. 

The character, first introduced in 2016, is a stereotypical, working-class white man wearing a MAGA hat.

In the skit, Doug initially hesitates to shake hands with the host, played by Kenan Thompson. 

Thompson’s character reassures him by saying, “It’s just a handshake. You’re welcome at ‘Black Jeopardy’ anytime.” The moment was played for laughs, but it didn’t sit well with Kelly, who took offense at the portrayal.

Megyn Kelly Calls Out SNL and NBC for Political Bias

Reacting to the sketch in an interview with Sky News, Kelly did not hold back. She accused SNL and NBC of having deep-seated contempt for conservatives and using comedy to push left-leaning narratives.

“The veil was down, and we saw what they really think of all of us. Not just MAGA, but anybody on the right: They think you’re a racist,” Kelly stated.

She went on to claim that SNL has long been hostile toward conservative audiences while pretending to be apolitical.

“Saturday Night Live hates conservatives. NBC hates conservatives,” Kelly said, arguing that the show lures in viewers with celebrity appearances and non-political humor before exposing what she believes is their true agenda.

“They tried to reel us in by just doing regular comedy that could appeal to anybody like, ‘See, we’re so fun. We’ve got all these big stars… We’re not going to be too political,’” she said. “Then the veil slipped, and it slipped because that’s who they really are.”

Kelly also accused the show’s producers of failing to recognize the potential backlash from the skit, suggesting they exist in a “left-wing echo chamber.”

Kelly Criticizes Tom Hanks for Mocking Trump Supporters

Beyond SNL, Kelly directed her frustration at Hanks himself. She acknowledged the actor’s widespread popularity but claimed that his portrayal of Doug was disrespectful to the very people who helped make him a Hollywood success.

“Tom Hanks is one of the most beloved actors ever,” Kelly said before launching into a critique of his characterization of a Trump voter.

She suggested that Hanks had insulted working-class Americans who have supported his films for decades.

“In thanks to a nation of audiences that included those guys who look like that — with the T-shirt without the sleeves, that are maybe a little rough around the edges, who aren’t as coiffed as he is with the perfect three-quarter zip sweater with their MAGA hat on, and yeah, Tom Hanks, their Southern rural accent, you absolute effing snob — went to your movies and made you a billionaire,” Kelly argued.

She went on to condemn the Forrest Gump star for what she viewed as an attempt to belittle conservative voters.

“And your thanks to them is to mock and belittle them in the two minutes you had to portray what they might be like,” Kelly said, before adding, “Shame on you.”

The Ongoing Debate Over Political Satire in Hollywood

Kelly’s comments reignited debates over political satire in entertainment. While SNL has long been known for its political sketches, critics like Kelly argue that the show has become increasingly one-sided. On the other hand, supporters of the sketch argue that SNL has always satirized both sides of the political spectrum, with jokes often targeting liberals as well.

The controversy also reflects broader tensions between Hollywood and conservative audiences. Many on the right feel alienated by entertainment industry figures they believe are out of touch with mainstream America.

What’s Next for Hanks, Kelly, and SNL?

While Hanks has yet to respond to Kelly’s remarks, the debate over his SNL appearance is unlikely to die down soon. Meanwhile, Kelly continues to use her platform to call out what she sees as media bias, reinforcing her position as a vocal critic of Hollywood and mainstream news networks.

As SNL moves forward, the question remains whether it will continue down its current path or attempt to appeal to a broader audience. For now, however, the show’s portrayal of conservative voters—and Kelly’s fiery response—has only deepened the cultural divide.

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