Comedian Katt Williams is once again making headlines, this time for addressing his ongoing frustrations with Saturday Night Live (SNL) during an interview at the Vulture Festival on November 16, 2024. The Emmy-winning actor, known for his standout role in Atlanta, spoke candidly about his career, politics, and various high-profile moments, including his infamous “Club Shay Shay” interview with Shannon Sharpe. However, one topic stood out: his feelings about being repeatedly parodied on SNL despite never receiving an invitation to appear on the iconic late-night comedy show.
Williams, who has been a household name in comedy for years, took issue with the fact that the sketch comedy show had parodied him nine times, but never once invited him to appear on their stage. During the interview, he expressed both bafflement and flattery over the repeated impersonations.
“There has never been a person that has been parodied 9 times on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and yet never been invited other than me, So, I take it as a badge of honor that they don’t f—k with me.”
He also reflected on what it meant when comedians impersonate him. “A lot of times when people are doing an impression of you, they’re really showing you how they feel about you,” Williams explained. “So for ‘Saturday Night Live’ to have an impression of me and have a woman do that, means they think I’m a b—ch. And I understand what they’re saying when they do that.”
The clip, posted on Instagram , sparked mixed reactions among fans and followers. Some commenters suggested that Williams needed to lighten up, while others defended his stance, acknowledging his talent, integrity, and the challenges he faces in the entertainment industry. One person suggested that SNL may be avoiding him because they feared his unfiltered perspective, while another humorously noted that impersonating Williams might be a tough task for most cast members.
The conversation continued on Hollywood Unlocked, where opinions were similarly divided. Some commenters accused Williams of being a “hater,” while others compared him to other controversial figures in the industry. However, what’s clear is that Williams’ remarks have sparked a wider discussion about the nature of celebrity impersonations and the complicated relationship between comedians and mainstream television.
It’s worth noting that Williams’ claims about SNL aren’t entirely accurate. While he insists that only women have impersonated him on the show, several male cast members have also taken on the challenge. In 2012, comedian Jay Pharoah portrayed Williams in a Weekend Update sketch and another segment titled “Pimpin’ Pimpin’ Pimpin’,” inspired by Williams’ 2008 stand-up documentary, Katt Williams: It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’.
In 2014, rapper Drake joined the ranks when he guest-hosted SNL, portraying Williams in a sketch about legalizing marijuana. More recently, in 2022, comedian Chris Redd impersonated Williams during Zoë Kravitz’s monologue, humorously including the “Catwomen” and “Cat Williamses” in pop culture. The most recent instance came in January 2024 when Ego Nwodim parodied Williams in a sketch titled “Club Shay Shay, Extended Cut,” which poked fun at Williams’ viral interview with Sharpe. The sketch was a hit, garnering millions of views on social media.
While Williams may feel that these parodies reflect negative portrayals of him, there’s no denying that his larger-than-life personality his distinctive voice, eccentric mannerisms, and unique style makes him an easy and entertaining figure for comedians to spoof. The fact that he’s been parodied so many times simply speaks to his cultural impact, and to the nature of the entertainment industry, where humor often stems from larger-than-life personalities like his own.
Despite his frustrations with SNL, Williams seems to take it all in stride. “I understand that’s what they’re saying when they do that,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me at all. I understand how the game goes.” He closed by emphasizing that his goal is to remain worthy of the attention, whether positive or negative. “My job is to be worthy,” Williams concluded. Whether or not SNL ever invites him to the stage, his indelible influence on comedy and pop culture remains undeniable.
