Video: 'SNL' Host Kerry Washington Pokes Fun at Racial Diversity Issue
TV

The 'Scandal' actress plays the First Lady, Oprah Winfrey and Beyonce in the cold open to help the show address the lack of black female cast members.

AceShowbiz - "Saturday Night Live" has reacted to criticism of the lack of racial diversity on the show in the best way it could which was funny sketch. On November 2, with the help of host Kerry Washington, the show addressed the elephant in the room.

In the cold open, the Emmy-nominated actress first appeared as First Lady Michelle Obama in the Oval Office set, bringing the character on the show for the first time since Maya Rudolph hosted in February 2012. "I feel like it's been years since I've seen you," Jay Pharoah's President Obama said.

To further point out the lack of black female cast member on the show, Washington had to portray Oprah Winfrey and Beyonce Knowles as well in the same sketch since Kenan Thompson wouldn't play either of them.

For those who might still not understand the intention of the skit, "SNL" added this message on screen, "The producers of 'Saturday Night Live' would like to apologize to Kerry Washington for the number of black women she will be asked to play tonight...Ms. Washington is an actress of considerable range and talent and also because 'SNL' does not currently have a black woman in the cast. As for the latter reason, we agree this is not an ideal situation and look forward to rectifying it in the near future...unless, of course, we fall in love with another white guy first."

In "My Girl", Washington played an overly-jealous girlfriend who caught her boyfriend (Pharaoh) texting another woman. In a riff on Ylvis's viral "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)", Thompson asked, "What Does My Girl Say?"

That night, Washington also played a Spelman College political science professor and appeared with Thompson in a talk show to discuss how President Barack Obama is doing in "How's He Doing" skit.

Serving as musical guest, Eminem appeared twice to perform his new songs "Beserk" and "Survival".

Michelle Obama at the White House Cold Open:

"My Girl":

"How's He Doing":

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