New York State Allows Movie Theaters to Sell Alcohol
During a recent episode of “Saturday Night Live,” comedian and “SNL” star Colin Jost made a series of jokes about his wife, actress Scarlett Johansson. After a string of cultural, religious, and political jokes, Jost turned the focus to his personal life.
Controversial Comment About Johansson’s Movies
Jost read out loud, “New York State now allows movie theaters to sell alcohol. Which is how I’m finally able to enjoy my wife’s little art movies.” As he said this, a picture of Johansson in the Marvel film “Black Widow” appeared on the screen. The comment seemed to create discomfort, but Jost continued reading.
“I’m kidding, honey. I love all of your movies. And if you ask me, you’re an even better ‘Black Widow’ than Coretta Scott King,” he added. The camera caught an appalled Dr. Angela Davis, while Jost himself seemed to realize the impact of his words.
Past Controversies and Criticism
This is not the first time that Jost has made a quip about Johansson’s work. In the joke swap of 2020, he touched upon the criticism Johansson has faced for playing specific roles, such as a Japanese character. Jost read, “It was announced that Creed singer Scott Stapp will play Frank Sinatra in an upcoming movie. But the good news is, Sammy Davis Jr. will be played by Scarlett Johansson.”
Johansson has previously expressed her belief that she should have the freedom to play any character she chooses. In a 2019 interview with As If magazine, she stated, “As an actor, I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job. There are a lot of social lines being drawn now, and a lot of political correctness is being reflected in art.”
Marriage and Family
Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson have been married since 2020. They recently welcomed their son, Cosmo, in August 2021. Johansson also has a daughter, Rose, from her previous marriage to Romain Dauriac.
Despite the controversy surrounding Jost’s jokes, a representative for Johansson has not yet responded to requests for comment. The incident has sparked a conversation about the boundaries of humor and the impact of jokes in the public sphere.