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Ayo Edebiri Takes Aim at Harry and Meghan in Hilarious SNL Debut
In a memorable debut as host of Saturday Night Live, Ayo Edebiri didn't hold back when it came to taking jabs at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The star of The Bear and recent SNL host delivered a sharp and comedic monologue that tackled the couple's high-profile exit from the royal family, their much-discussed Netflix documentary, and their tumultuous relationship with the British monarchy.
Edebiri, visibly emotional as she stepped onto the stage, expressed just how much SNL meant to her, calling it a dream come true.
She kicked off her performance by humorously likening herself and co-host Steve Martin to Harry and Meghan, quipping, “You know, Steve, we are like Harry and Meghan—no one's rooting for us, but you'll tune in to watch anyway.”
Continuing with her playful banter, she made a bold claim about her heritage, declaring herself the first black woman to openly admit that she hails from Boston, suggesting she was making “black history” in the process.
But soon, her focus shifted to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have faced relentless scrutiny since their relocation to the U.S.
Edebiri shared her thoughts on Harry and Meghan's Netflix series, describing it as “a four-hour-long cry for help.” While she expressed sympathy for the couple, highlighting the racism and media pressure they have endured, she also voiced her frustration.
“I mean, come on, Harry and Meghan!
You have it all—money, fame, love, a mansion, a podcast, a Netflix deal, a Spotify deal, an Oprah interview, a book deal… what more do you want?”
With a cheeky grin, she poked fun at their complaints about life.
“You know what they say: the grass is always greener on the other side.
Unless you're Harry and Meghan, then the grass is always greener on your side because you have a gardener who waters it for you.”
Edebiri continued her lighthearted roasting, questioning the couple's desire for privacy and independence.
“You say you want privacy, but you're always in the public eye.
You say you want freedom, but you're always signing contracts.
You say you want to be normal, but you're always doing interviews,” she said, delivering each line with perfect comedic timing.
The crowd erupted with laughter as she suggested that perhaps Harry and Meghan should simply “chill.” “You're not the first people to leave a toxic family, move to a different country, or have problems.
You're not special.
You're just Harry and Meghan,” she declared, driving home her point with wit and humor.
As her monologue drew to a close, Edebiri expressed her excitement for the night ahead, emphasizing how thrilled she was to be working alongside her friends on the show.
“I think I've been up here long enough, so there's really only one thing left to say.
Let's hop onto it now,” she concluded, leaving the audience buzzing with energy.
The reception to Edebiri's performance was a mixed bag.
While many viewers applauded her cleverness and humor, others criticized her for being too harsh.
Some deemed her jokes rude and disrespectful, arguing that she crossed a line in her commentary about the couple.
This controversy surrounding her monologue has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of Harry and Meghan in popular media.
It seems to have reignited interest in SNL, a show renowned for its sharp political and social satire.
Edebiri's debut is just one of many instances where Harry and Meghan have become the target of comedy on SNL, reflecting the couple's status as frequent subjects of public fascination and critique.
The fallout from her performance will likely keep the conversation alive, ensuring that both Edebiri and the Sussexes remain in the spotlight for some time to come.
