Woody Harrelson's COVID Conspiracy SNL Monologue Was Utter Chaos
You might remember him as Woody Boyd on the 1980s sitcom "Cheers," or as Haymitch Abernathy in 2012's "The Hunger Games," but most recently Woody Harrelson wore his hosting hat on "Saturday Night Live" — for the fifth time. With many more acting credits under his belt, an Emmy Award, and a few more accolades, Harrelson has no doubt made a name for himself in Hollywood. Still, the actor remains just as controversial as he is talented.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrelson publicly shared that he suspected the coronavirus was caused by radiation from the 5G network. "I haven't fully vetted it [but] I find it very interesting," he wrote at the time, according to the New York Post. In May 2022, Harrelson once again sparked controversy after criticizing the use of face masks as a preventive measure against COVID-19. "I'm sick of like, you're wearing a mask, and you think it contains your breath — but if it did you'd die, you'd be breathing in your own carbon monoxide," he said during an interview with Vanity Fair. When asked if he had contracted COVID amid his refusal to follow safety protocols, the "Zombieland" actor answered, "No, nothing for seven and a half years, and that's because my immune system's strong. Why is my immune system? Because I'm internally clean."
Now, nearly a year later, Harrelson has yet again shared another controversial take on COVID-19 — this time, on "SNL."
Woody Harrelson's joke veered into anti-vax territory
During his appearance on the February 25 episode of "Saturday Night Live," Woody Harrelson delivered a hilarious monologue touching on a variety of subjects, including his smoking and drinking habits. "The reason I like herbs more than alcohol is because it makes me feel good, no hangovers and I never wake up covered in blood," Harrelson quipped in his speech, sending the audience into a round of laughter.
But things soon took a turn when Harrelson began referencing the COVID-19 pandemic and his suspicions of a conspiracy between the government and medical organizations. The actor recalled reading a script while under the influence on Thanksgiving Day in 2019. The script, according to Harrelson, featured the government imposing drugs on its citizens during a lockdown. "I threw the script away. I mean, who is going to believe that crazy idea? Being forced to do drugs? I do that voluntarily all day long," he added.
Harrelson's February 2023 apperance on "Saturday Night Live" welcomed him to the show's five-timer league. According to Deadline, the "Cheers" actor previously hosted the show four times, with his first time being in 1989, and the most recent being 2019. Other "SNL" five-timers include Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, and Drew Barrymore.
Woody Harrelson's monologue garnered the attention of another controversial host
Following Woody Harrelson's surprising jab at the COVID-19 vaccine during his "Saturday Night Live" monologue, viewers were quick to react to the comments on social media. The actor's controversial comments even got Elon Musk to react. He replied to a comment that said Harrelson's theory was "based," meaning that they were applauding the actor's IDGAF attitude and liked that he said what he wanted to say. "So based," Musk tweeted. "Nice work @nbcsnl!" The Twitter CEO also replied to the "SNL" Twitter account directly, writing, "Good one," in response to Harrelson's monologue.
Of course, Musk triggered his own wave of controversy when he hosted "SNL" in 2021. A number of cast members even expressed their irritation and confusion over the show's choice. Perhaps that's because the Tesla entrepreneur has also been vocal about his doubts surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. In a 2020 interview with The New York Times' Kara Swisher, Musk blatantly downplayed the risks, noting that "everybody dies," while also refusing to get the vaccine.
But amid this newfound controversy, Harrelson was ultimately there to celebrate a big accomplishment after completing his hosting gig.
Woody Harrelson didn't let the controversy stop him from celebrating
Only a small group of celebrities have had the opportunity to host "Saturday Night Live" five times, and Woody Harrelson achieved that in his latest appearance. During his monologue, he joked about the special jacket that the "five-timers" receive. "Anyway, it's about that time," he said as he spread his arms open, waiting for the article of clothing to be presented to him. "Still no jacket," he said, after waiting a few seconds.
Coincidentally, the episode's musical guest, Jack White, was also celebrating his fifth appearance on the show. "You know what, he's been here five times, too," Harrelson said during his introduction for the musician. "Does he get a jacket?"
At the end of the episode, the actor was finally ready to receive his jacket, and just when he thought he was going to be presented with one, Kenan Thompson turned to White to give him a jacket instead. Scarlett Johansson — who has hosted the show six times — then made a surprise appearance to give Harrelson his jacket. Perhaps he can use the new garment to shield himself from the ensuing backlash?