Saturday Night Live has been a staple of American television for well over 40 years. The show has produced a list of iconic stars and pop culture moments that almost no other television show can match. SNL, on the other hand, has produced a slew of well-known controversies that have resulted in public condemnation and firings. Some of the most heinous SNL scandals have resulted in lifetime bans. Some SNL controversies were caused by guests hosts or musicians who tried to spread their message using the show’s platform, while others involved full-time SNL cast members who torpedoed their own careers.
Celebrities With Controversial SNL Appearances Through The Years
Sinéad O’Connor
On October 3, 1992, perhaps the most contentious episode of Saturday Night Live history occurred. Following a performance of Bob Marley’s “War,” musical guest Sinéad O’Connor tore a photo of Pope John Paul II to shreds and said, “fight the real enemy,” referring to the Catholic Church’s ongoing sexual abuse allegations. O’Conner’s gesture not only stunned audiences and sparked record burnings, but it also caught producers off guard, as O’Conner had kept the gesture hidden during rehearsals. Even though history has proven that O’Conner’s allegations against the church were true, she has been banned from SNL ever since.
Sinéad O’Connor
