Nikki Glaser Faces Backlash Over Disturbing SNL Monologue

UPDATE: Comedian Nikki Glaser is under intense scrutiny following her controversial opening monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL) on July 15, 2023. The nearly nine-minute skit, which aired on NBC, sparked outrage after Glaser made jokes about sex trafficking and pedophilia, drawing immediate backlash from viewers.

In her monologue, Glaser welcomed audiences to New York City, referring to it as the “original island” of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She joked about her “obsession with slavery” while discussing nail salon workers and warning signs for human trafficking in public restrooms. “You can go to the nail salon with a friend, but you get separated at the border,” she quipped, igniting anger among many who found the jokes distasteful.

Critics swiftly took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their outrage. One user questioned, “Is #NikkiGlaser really that braindead in 2025?” Another noted, “This would land better for a Netflix special maybe, but not ‘SNL.’” Many condemned her remarks as inappropriate, with one stating, “Pedophilia jokes. Believe these people when they tell you who they are. Stay classy, ‘SNL.’”

Glaser’s monologue also included a troubling anecdote about her four-year-old nephew, leading to further criticism. She recalled a conversation with her sister regarding the child wanting to shower with her, raising alarms about the sensitivity of such topics. “What if I molest him?” she jokingly posed, which many viewers deemed unacceptable.

Despite the backlash, some defenders argued that Glaser’s comments brought attention to important issues like trafficking and familial abuse, suggesting that they sparked necessary conversations about safety.

As the controversy unfolds, representatives for Glaser and NBC have not yet commented on the situation. The backlash highlights a growing divide over the boundaries of comedy and the sensitivity required when addressing serious societal issues.

The fallout from Glaser’s monologue raises questions about the appropriateness of certain comedic topics in mainstream media. Viewers are left asking: what are the limits of humor in addressing such serious subjects? As this story develops, it will be crucial to watch for potential responses from both Glaser and SNL.