When Larry David hosted “Saturday Night Live” last night, he joked that he doesn’t like Jews to be in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
He was talking about the growing sexual harassment scandal in Hollywood — and the number of Jews who are accused, like Harvey Weinstein — but now David is grabbing headlines of his own.
His monologue also included jokes about concentration camps and the Holocaust — and has drawn outrage on social media.
“I’ve always been obsessed with women, and I’ve always wondered: If I’d grown up in Poland when Hitler came to power and was sent to a concentration camp, would I still be checking out women in the camp? I think I would,” joked David in his monologue.
“Of course, the problem is there are no good opening lines in a concentration camp. ‘How’s it going? They treating you OK? You know, if we ever get out of here, I’d love to take you out for some latkes.'”
The audience groaned and laughed awkwardly (“Is it me, or is it the whole thing?” David said), but social media was quick to react.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, tweeted: “He managed to be offensive, insensitive & unfunny all at the same time. Quite a feat.”
Watched #LarryDavid #SNL monologue this AM. He managed to be offensive, insensitive & unfunny all at same time. Quite a feat.
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) November 5, 2017
“Not feeling Larry David’s concentration camp jokes,” wrote one user. “Nothing about the Holocaust will ever be funny. #majorfail #notfunny.”
Not feeling Larry David’s concentration camp jokes @nbcSNL. Nothing about the holocaust will ever be funny. #majorfail #notfunny
— Cindi Avila (@ChefCindi) November 5, 2017
Commented another, “Did Larry David really just use his platform on SNL to turn a comment about the Weinstein scandal into a Holocaust joke? Yes. Yes he did.”
Did Larry David really just use his platform on SNL to turn a comment about the Weinstein scandal into a holocaust joke? Yes. Yes he did.
— sophia (@herMajestysopha) November 5, 2017
David did have his defenders, with many comparing it to a standard skit on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Everyone complaining about Larry David being awkward and *offensive* as if they’ve never heard of Larry David. Lighten up, people. #SNL
— Daniel Meersand (@DanMeersand) November 5, 2017
You can watch the monologue below:
