What's happened
On April 24, 2025, Bowen Yang made headlines for calling Vice President JD Vance a 'pope killer' during an appearance on 'The View.' The remark followed the death of Pope Francis, who had met with Vance shortly before his passing. Yang's comment sparked laughter among the co-hosts, including Whoopi Goldberg.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Joke
- Bowen Yang's comment was made in a comedic context, reflecting the often irreverent nature of late-night and daytime talk shows.
- The timing of the joke, shortly after Pope Francis's death, raises questions about the appropriateness of humor in sensitive situations.
Public Reaction
- Yang's remark elicited laughter from the audience and co-hosts, indicating a shared understanding of the comedic intent.
- However, it also highlights the thin line comedians walk when addressing serious topics, especially in the wake of a public figure's death.
Broader Implications
- This incident may spark discussions about the role of humor in public discourse and the responsibilities of comedians.
- As public figures, both Yang and Vance are subject to scrutiny, and such comments can influence public perception and political discourse.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, Bowen Yang's joke on 'The View' was met with laughter, with Whoopi Goldberg exclaiming, 'Somebody had to say it!' This reflects a broader trend in comedy where sensitive topics are often addressed with humor. In contrast, The Guardian discusses the implications of such humor, questioning whether it crosses a line, especially in light of recent events surrounding Pope Francis's death. The juxtaposition of these perspectives illustrates the ongoing debate about the boundaries of comedy in contemporary society.
How we got here
The controversy stems from Yang's recent promotion of his film 'The Wedding Banquet' on 'The View.' His joke about Vance referenced the recent death of Pope Francis, which has been a topic of public discussion since the Pope's passing on April 21, 2025.
Go deeper
- What was the audience's reaction to Yang's joke?
- How has the media covered the Pope's death?
- What are the implications of humor in sensitive situations?
Common question
-
What Happened to Actor Nicky Katt and Why Did Aimee Lou Wood Criticize SNL?
Recent events in the celebrity world have sparked significant discussions, from the tragic death of actor Nicky Katt to Aimee Lou Wood's critique of a Saturday Night Live sketch. These incidents raise important questions about mental health, representation, and the responsibilities of media creators. Below, we explore these topics and more.
-
What Did Aimee Lou Wood Say About the SNL Sketch?
Aimee Lou Wood recently made headlines after criticizing a sketch from 'Saturday Night Live' that parodied her character from 'The White Lotus.' Her comments have sparked discussions about the impact of celebrity critiques on comedy and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. Here are some common questions surrounding this controversy.
-
What sparked the backlash against the recent SNL sketch?
The recent controversy surrounding a Saturday Night Live sketch has ignited discussions about the boundaries of comedy and the responsibilities of humor in media. Aimee Lou Wood's criticism of the sketch has raised questions about the ethics of satire and how public figures respond to comedic portrayals. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this incident.
-
What Did Bowen Yang Say About Vice President JD Vance?
On April 24, 2025, Bowen Yang stirred controversy with a joke about Vice President JD Vance during his appearance on 'The View.' This incident has sparked discussions about the role of humor in political commentary, especially in light of recent events surrounding the death of Pope Francis. Here are some common questions people have about this incident and its implications.
-
What are the details of Pope Francis' funeral and its significance?
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, has left a profound impact on the world. His funeral preparations are underway, drawing attention from global leaders and the faithful alike. This page explores the details of his funeral, the reactions to his death, and the legacy he leaves behind.
More on these topics
-
Aimée Lou Wood is an English actress. She is best known for her debut role as Aimee Gibbs in the Netflix original comedy-drama series Sex Education. In 2021, for this role, she won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance.
-
Saturday Night Live is an American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title NBC's Saturday Night.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The White Lotus is an upcoming American satire comedy television miniseries created by Mike White that is set to premiere on HBO on July 11, 2021.
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
Sarah Sherman, also known professionally as Sarah Squirm, is an American comedian and actress. She is known for surreal and body horror comedy.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.