Tom Hanks triggers MAGA meltdown with his portrayal of 'racist' Donald Trump fan on 'SNL50'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hollywood veteran Tom Hanks triggered outrage among MAGA conservatives on social media with his portrayal of a character who shared their love for President Donald Trump, on the 50th anniversary show of 'Saturday Night Live' on February 15.

'SNL' brought back some of its most popular sketches for the commemorative episode, which included a quiz show 'Black Jeopardy!' that asked questions favorable to the Black community.

Hank's conservative character made his debut in the sketch back in 2016, as per the Daily Beast. Named Doug, he wore a 'Make America Great Again' cap, and an American Eagle shirt and spoke with a southern drawl. The character also provided correct answers to the questions posed in the sketch show where other White contestants are usually seen fumbling.

Tom Hank's portrayal of MAGA follower Doug

In the 2016 sketch where Tom Hanks introduced Doug, the character backed away from shaking the hand of 'Black Jeopardy!' host Darnell Hayes, played by Kenan Thompson.

However, he later agreed to it, with the sketch co-writer Michael Che explaining to Seth Meyers in 2016, "It made a lot of sense because all this comedy seems very divisive, and this is kind of a thing that says, ‘Listen, we’re not that different when you really break it down'."

When Doug returned on television on 'SNL50', he appeared to have forgotten the lesson learned eight years ago, as he backed away from shaking hands once again.

“Don’t like that, woah, woah, woah,” he said, before finally accepting the gesture. He later quipped at the host, "Maybe I’ll start a show for you to come on and we’ll call it ‘White Jeopardy'," to which the latter replied, "We don't need it."

Conservatives rip into 'SNL' for creating Doug

The character of Doug on 'SNL' reportedly infuriated MAGA conservatives watching the show, and many took to social media to vent their anger.

Link Lauren, a former aide to Robert F Kennedy Jr, slammed the show on X for portraying MAGA as "racist," writing, "This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter. Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show for snobbish liberal elites. The current Republican Party is a big tent coalition comprised of many former Democrats. Good riddance, SNL!"

"It didn’t take @nbc long to insult Trump voters by putting Tom Hanks on with an all-black cast acting dumb and racist in a MAGA hat. It was rather disgusting. What a tool. What a disgrace @nbcsnl to decide to exclude an audience of millions who grew up watching your programming," stated another.

"They don't get the MAGA movement at all. The jokes on them for being such fools," shared someone else.

"Completely unfunny and utter cringe," jibed one individual.

"Boycott all Tom Hanks projects and unfollow him on all social media," slammed a user.

"This is beyond disgusting, it is vile and racist. Tom Hanks has trashed his reputation," posted one person.

Yet another shared a meme that read, "And just like that, Tom Hanks became irrelevant."

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