The recent controversy around White Lotus teeth began when Aimee Lou Wood, who played Chelsea in Season 3 of The White Lotus, responded to an SNL sketch that poked fun at her appearance, specifically her naturally gapped teeth. While the parody aimed for humor, many felt it crossed a line, prompting Wood to speak out and sparking a broader debate about the portrayal of physical features in media.
The ‘SNL’ Skit That Sparked Backlash
On April 12, SNL aired a skit titled “The White POTUS,” blending political satire with The White Lotus‘ signature flair. Comedian Sarah Sherman impersonated Wood’s character, Chelsea, using exaggerated features, including large prosthetic teeth and a pronounced British accent.
Wood’s Reaction
Aimee Lou Wood addressed the sketch on Instagram, calling it “mean and unfunny.” She emphasized that while she enjoys light-hearted parody, this particular portrayal crossed a line.
“The joke was about fluoride,” she said. “I have big gap teeth, not bad teeth.”
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She also clarified that she received apologies from the SNL team and didn’t place blame on Sarah Sherman directly, stating, “Not hating on her, hating on the concept.”
Wood’s Longtime Openness About Her Smile
Wood has never shied away from discussing her teeth, which feature noticeable gaps and a slight overbite.
Early Career Struggles
In earlier interviews, Wood revealed how her natural teeth affected casting decisions:
- She initially auditioned for the role of Lily in Sex Education, thinking her teeth were a mismatch.
- Eventually, she was cast as Aimee Gibbs — a role that suited her perfectly and launched her career.
Media Coverage and Public Discourse
The buzz around Wood’s “White Lotus teeth” led to countless articles, fan reactions, and social media discussions.
Feeling Typecast
In an interview with British GQ, Wood said:
“It makes me really happy that it’s symbolizing rebellion and freedom, but… the whole conversation is just about my teeth, and it makes me a bit sad because I’m not getting to talk about my work.”
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She also questioned whether male actors would face the same level of scrutiny over their looks.
Public Support and Expert Insight
Wood received overwhelming support from fans and professionals alike. Sydney Gomez, a licensed therapist, weighed in:
- On societal pressure: “Imperfect teeth can still be healthy. Suggesting changes to meet beauty standards can harm mental well-being.”
- On Wood’s choice: “Her decision to embrace her natural smile can inspire others to resist cosmetic pressures.”
Cosmetic Trends and Social Commentary
The Veneer Craze
With the rise of dental veneers on platforms like TikTok, many influencers and celebrities promote “perfect smiles,” often ignoring the health and financial implications.
Wood, however, has made a conscious choice to avoid veneers:
“It felt a bit rebellious,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “People expect you to fix what makes you different.”
Why does this matter?
The White Lotus teeth controversy sheds light on broader issues in Hollywood:
- The double standards women face regarding appearance.
- The need to celebrate authenticity over artificial beauty norms.
- The responsibility of comedy is to punch up, not down.
Final Thoughts
Aimee Lou Wood’s courage in addressing the mockery surrounding her appearance opens up important conversations about representation, self-image, and fairness in the entertainment industry. While The White Lotus gave her a bigger platform, it’s clear her impact extends beyond the screen.