‘This Isn’t Funny’: Media, Activists Fawn Over SNL’s Disturbing Pro-Abortion Clown Segment — but Many Aren’t Laughing

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“Saturday Night Live” decided to explore the ever-sensitive and tragic topic of abortion through a skit delivered by a…clown.

The bizarre segment featured actress and comedian Cecily Strong as “Goober the Clown” — a colorfully-adorned jester of sorts who “had an abortion when she was 23.”

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The activistic purpose of the segment was clear from the outset, with “Weekend Update” co-anchor Colin Jost beginning the peculiar bit by noting the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last week on Texas’ controversial abortion law.

Then, Goober emerged on the scene donning a top hat, a spinning tie and a faux flower water gun (which she deployed early on to apparently spark laughs).

“I had an abortion the day before my 23rd birthday!” the exuberant clown proclaimed.

The segment focused singularly on “clown abortion” concerns — an attempt at comedy that was really rooted in driving home her apparent advocation of abortion access.

“I wish I didn’t have to do this, because the abortion I had at 23 is my personal clown business, but that’s all some people in this country want to discuss all the time,” Goober (i.e. Strong) said, integrating statistics into her schtick. “Did you know one in three clowns will have a clown abortion in her lifetime? You don’t because they don’t tell you. They don’t even know how to talk to other clowns about it!”

She then worked toward the crescendo of the performance, with the apex unfolding as she delivered her “truth.”

“I know I wouldn’t be a clown on TV here today if weren’t for the abortion I had the day before my 23rd birthday,” she said.

Applause and laughs could be heard throughout the short segment, though the most pointed responses seemed to come from the media and supporters who fawned in the aftermath of the spectacle.

CNN’s Brian Stelter wrote a story titled, “‘SNL,’ often lamented by critics, draws rave reviews thanks to Cecily Strong.” He noted some were calling the episode a “classic.” Here’s just a snippet of his recap — and his own take:

I found that it took a second viewing to fully appreciate what Strong was doing with the segment. It was a “startlingly effective bit of political commentary,” Vanity Fair’s Karen Valby wrote. In the words of TheWrap’s Andi Ortiz, “her candor left fans cheering.”

It was “one of the most buzzworthy recent moments that I can remember, and will likely be discussed at some length in the days ahead,” CNN media critic Brian Lowry remarked.

The Cut ran with a headline claiming Strong made some “good points about abortion.” And a Twitter account for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio tweeted, “So much love to Cecily Strong for sharing her abortion story. This is so honest & powerful.”

Fox News has a recap of other elements of the head-scratching praise.

Not everyone was a fan of the segment, though, with Blaze Media host Jason Whitlock tweeting, “This is not funny. This is insane.” Others shared similar sentiment:

The segment and the resounding praise seem almost flabbergasting, yet the sway of culture and the toxicity and anger raging over the Texas abortion law, among other sentiments, create a ripe scenario for these sort of exhibitions. The nation is in need of serious prayer — and this is merely our most recent reminder.

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