Timothée Chalamet has come under fire for an off-colour joke about former U.S. President Jimmy Carter during his recent appearance on Saturday Night Live. The joke, made just weeks after Carter’s death at age 100, left the studio audience visibly shocked and has sparked significant online backlash.
The incident occurred during the “Bungee” sketch, in which Chalamet played a fitness instructor leading a workout class. At one point, he instructed participants to perform “The Jimmy Carter,” resulting in everyone hanging limp in their harnesses—a clear reference to death.
The audience’s reaction was immediate, with audible gasps filling the studio. Viewers at home were equally dismayed, flooding social media with criticism.
One viewer called the joke “totally disrespectful and out of line,” adding, “And yes, I have a sense of humour and love the show, but that was just horrible and too soon. I hope his family didn’t see that.”
Another wrote, “Too soon and not funny! The whole skit was rubbish.”
A particularly scathing remark on YouTube read, “Someone’s going to hell for that one.”
Others pointed to potential consequences for Chalamet’s career. One user speculated that the backlash could affect his chances of winning an Oscar for his upcoming portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, saying, “Insensitive and really immature. Just unnecessary.”
While Saturday Night Live is known for its edgy humour, critics argue this moment crossed a line. Neither Chalamet nor the show has responded to the controversy, but the incident highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between humour and respect.
Jimmy Carter, who passed away on 29 December 2024, was celebrated as a tireless advocate for peace and human rights. His funeral service on 9 January at the Washington National Cathedral drew tributes from across the globe, with former presidents Trump, Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton in attendance.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Carter’s son, Chip, in a statement. “We thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
For many, the joke overshadowed the reverence and respect Carter’s legacy deserves.