Saturday Night Live is facing criticism over a Royal baby-themed skit that aired last weekend, which many are saying plays into Black racial stereotypes.
The skit titled “Etiquette Lessons” showcases SNL regular Leslie Jones playing Shantay Thomas, Meghan Markle’s fictional third cousin “of the Compton Thomases,” who came to England to see Archie, the newborn child of Markle and Prince Harry.
But in order to meet the new member of the family, Jones’ character has to go through royal etiquette lessons from Vivian Hargrave, a coach played by SNL guest star, British actress Emma Thompson.
The lessons started off with playful songs about high tea etiquette, before Thompson’s character turned unexpectedly violent. The violence continued as Jones’ character struggled to learn how to stir her tea and eat scones.
“Have you ever attended high tea?” the etiquette coach asks at one point.
“No, but I had tea while I’m high,” Jones’ Shantay shoots back.
The skit immediately earned its share of criticism online, although there were also many who found it hilarious.
Markle gave birth to her first son with Prince Harry last week, naming the newborn Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
Jones, Thompson and SNL have each not commented on the feedback