Chloe Fineman, the talented comedian and cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently revealed an emotional encounter with tech billionaire Elon Musk during his hosting stint on the show in May 2021. In a now-deleted TikTok video, Fineman shared her experience of feeling deeply hurt by Musk’s cold, critical behavior during a table-read for one of the sketches she had written. This revelation sheds light on the pressures and tensions that can arise behind the scenes of SNL, especially when high-profile figures like Musk are involved.
The Story Behind Chloe Fineman’s Tears
A Night of Hard Work
Chloe Fineman, known for her sharp impressions and comedic timing, was eager to showcase her work during Elon Musk’s hosting episode. Like every SNL cast member, she poured hours into crafting a sketch, refining each joke, and making sure everything was in place for a live audience. Unfortunately, her enthusiasm would be met with an icy reception from Musk, a moment she won’t soon forget.
The Rejection: Elon Musk’s Criticism
According to Fineman, the critical moment came when she presented her sketch to Musk. She had spent an entire night working on it, pouring her energy and creativity into every line. Yet when she approached Musk to ask if he had any questions or thoughts, she was met with a gaze that felt more like an employer firing an employee than a fellow comedian collaborating.
Musk’s response was blunt and hurtful. He reportedly told Fineman that her sketch was “not funny” and that he didn’t laugh once during the reading. Instead of offering constructive feedback or encouraging words, Musk allegedly flipped through her script with visible disdain. This behavior left Fineman feeling humiliated and hurt, leading to an emotional breakdown.
Musk’s Cold Behavior Towards Fineman’s Sketch
For a comedian like Fineman, whose job involves making people laugh, having a high-profile figure like Musk dismiss her work so coldly was a crushing blow. Instead of providing any constructive feedback, Musk seemed to take pleasure in undermining her. It’s important to note that, despite his critique, the sketch still made it to the show, and Fineman ended up having a great time performing it.
A Closer Look at ‘SNL’ Hosts and Their Impact on Cast Members
The Intensity of the ‘SNL’ Table-Read
Every week, SNL hosts and cast members gather for a table-read to go over the sketches for that week’s show. This is a crucial moment in the process, where hosts, writers, and cast members get to critique, refine, and improvise. The pressure is immense, as every sketch has to be polished enough to perform live in front of millions of viewers.
How Hosts Influence the Cast’s Performance
Hosts like Elon Musk, who bring their own brand of humor and public persona, have the power to make or break a sketch. Their reactions during the table-read set the tone for the rest of the week’s rehearsals. When a host dismisses a cast member’s hard work, it can create tension and stress, affecting the entire dynamic of the team.
Previous Host Controversies at ‘SNL’
Elon Musk’s behavior during the table-read isn’t an isolated incident. Over the years, there have been reports of other hosts clashing with cast members or making uncomfortable comments. These moments highlight the challenges of balancing creativity with the pressures of working with high-profile, sometimes difficult personalities.
The High Expectations for ‘SNL’ Hosts
Being an SNL host comes with immense pressure. These celebrities are expected to contribute both comedic energy and professionalism to a production that has been a cultural staple for decades. But when a host’s behavior falls short of those expectations, it can impact the morale of the entire cast and crew.
Elon Musk’s Response to the Situation
Musk’s Criticism of Dana Carvey’s Impression
After Chloe Fineman’s TikTok video went viral, Elon Musk found himself in the spotlight once again, this time for his critique of Dana Carvey’s impression of him. Musk expressed dissatisfaction with the portrayal, claiming that Carvey’s impersonation wasn’t accurate or funny. While his remarks were met with backlash from fans and comedians alike, they also served to fuel the fire of an already tense situation.
Musk’s Statement About ‘SNL’ Losing Touch
In addition to his criticisms of Carvey’s impression, Musk also made public comments about SNL as a whole. He claimed the show had been “dying slowly for years” and that it had become increasingly out of touch with reality. This statement did little to improve his relationship with the cast, who already felt strained by his behavior during his hosting episode.
The Public Fallout: Musk and ‘SNL’ Relationship
Musk’s comments about SNL and his strained interactions with Fineman are just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding his public persona. While some fans supported Musk’s right to express his opinions, others felt his behavior was unprofessional and disrespectful to the hardworking cast members of SNL.
Chloe Fineman’s Rise on ‘SNL’ and Her Unique Style
Fineman’s Background Before Joining ‘SNL’
Before joining the iconic SNL cast, Chloe Fineman had built a reputation as a talented comedian and impressionist. Her ability to mimic voices and physical mannerisms made her a standout performer, and her unique comedic style earned her a spot on one of the most prestigious comedy shows on television.
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Her Impressions and Character Work on ‘SNL’
On SNL, Fineman became known for her impressive impersonations of celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Drew Barrymore, and Nancy Pelosi. Her versatility in creating characters and bringing them to life with humor and accuracy made her a fan favorite. Despite the challenges of working with high-profile hosts, Fineman has managed to shine through with her creativity and dedication to her craft.
The ‘SNL’ Table-Read Tradition
What Happens During a Table-Read?
The table-read is a pivotal part of the SNL process. During this session, cast members and writers gather to read through the scripts for that week’s show. The host also participates, giving their thoughts and reactions to the sketches. The pressure is on, as every joke, sketch, and punchline must be perfected for the live show.
The Role of Hosts in Shaping the Show
Hosts have a significant role in shaping the tone of the show. Their feedback during the table-read can either elevate or undermine a sketch. For Fineman, Musk’s cold response and lack of constructive criticism created unnecessary tension and left her feeling unappreciated.
Why Musk’s Behavior Was Unacceptable
The Role of Professionalism in Comedy
Comedy, like any profession, requires mutual respect and professionalism. Musk’s dismissive behavior towards Fineman’s hard work was a clear violation of that principle. While hosts are entitled to express their opinions, it’s important that they do so in a way that fosters creativity rather than stifling it.
How Criticism Should Be Delivered on Set
Effective criticism is constructive and delivered with care. It helps the person receiving the feedback improve, rather than feeling demoralized. Musk’s harsh words and actions left Fineman feeling crushed, highlighting the importance of empathy and professionalism in collaborative environments.
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Conclusion
The tension between Chloe Fineman and Elon Musk during his hosting of SNL serves as a reminder of the pressures that come with working in high-profile environments. It also underscores the importance of treating colleagues with respect, regardless of their status. While Fineman’s experience was painful, it also sheds light on the challenges that comedians and cast members face when working with big-name hosts who may not always understand the dynamics of live comedy.
FAQs
What happened between Chloe Fineman and Elon Musk during his ‘SNL’ hosting?
Chloe Fineman claimed that Elon Musk made her cry after criticizing her sketch and dismissing it as “not funny” during a table-read. His cold demeanor and lack of constructive feedback upset her.
Why did Chloe Fineman cry when Elon Musk criticized her sketch?
Fineman had spent hours crafting the sketch and was eager to hear Musk’s thoughts. Instead of providing helpful feedback, Musk’s criticism left her feeling humiliated and emotionally drained.
How did other ‘SNL’ cast members react to Elon Musk’s behavior?
While specific reactions from other cast members have not been publicly detailed, Bowen Yang mentioned that multiple cast members were affected by a male host’s behavior during a table-read, likely referring to Musk.
What is the significance of a table-read during ‘SNL’ rehearsals?
A table-read is where the entire cast and host read through the sketches, offering feedback and fine-tuning the performance before rehearsals begin. It’s a crucial step in the process.
Has Elon Musk made similar comments about other comedians or cast members?
Yes, Musk has made public criticisms of other comedians, including Dana Carvey’s impression of him. His remarks about SNL losing touch also contributed to the controversy surrounding his hosting.