In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live, comedian Colin Jost found himself in an uncomfortable position while delivering jokes about his wife, actress Scarlett Johansson. During the show’s winter finale on December 21st, Jost and co-host Michael Che participated in a biannual tradition where they read unplanned jokes live on air. This time, the jokes were particularly pointed towards Jost's personal life, leading to some awkward moments for both him and Johansson, who was watching from backstage.
During the Weekend Update segment of the show, Jost nervously read out lines that poked fun at his relationship with Johansson. He mentioned her recent birthday, jokingly suggesting he might leave after turning 40. Later, he made a comment about their son, which left Johansson visibly uncomfortable. The camera captured her reaction as she shook her head and grimaced. Another joke about eating roast beef nightly since the birth of their child added to the tension. These moments highlighted the delicate balance between comedy and personal boundaries, especially when one's spouse is watching.
The history between Jost and Johansson dates back to 2006, but they didn’t become romantically involved until 2017. They married in October 2020 and welcomed their son Cosmo in 2021. Johansson also has a daughter named Rose Dorothy from a previous relationship.
This isn't the first time Jost has had to make light-hearted jabs at his marriage for the sake of the show. In May during the season finale, he referenced Johansson's AI character from the film "Her," which led to a legal dispute between the actress and OpenAI.
From a journalistic perspective, this incident raises questions about the limits of public figures' private lives being used for entertainment. While the show thrives on humor, it’s important to consider the impact such jokes can have on personal relationships. It serves as a reminder that even in the world of comedy, there should be a line drawn to respect the dignity and privacy of individuals involved.