In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), cast member Bowen Yang brought humor and satire to the tumultuous political career of former Republican New York U.S. Rep. George Santos. While Santos’s tenure in Congress came to an end amid a flurry of controversies, SNL’s cold open sketch hinted that his time in the public eye might not be over.
Yang’s portrayal of the expelled congressman was both comedic and thought-provoking. He addressed the audience with a humorous but pointed remark, stating, “This entire country has been bullying me just because I’m a proud gay thief. What else is new? America hates to see a Latina queen winning.”
Santos’s character, played flamboyantly by Yang, declared, “I’m no longer Congressman Santos. I’m just regular old Professor Major General Reverend Astronaut Santos, protector of the realm, princess of Genovia.” This line, filled with irony and references, highlighted the embellishments that characterized Santos’s real-life political saga.
The sketch reached its pinnacle as Yang’s Santos compared himself to iconic figures and even broke into song, channeling Elton John with a parody of “Candle in the Wind.” As he sang, “It seems to me I’ve lived my life like a scandal in the wind,” the audience was treated to a moment of comedic brilliance.
While the SNL sketch may have symbolized the end of Santos’s political career, recent developments suggest that his story is far from over. HBO Films has announced a dark comedy movie inspired by Santos’s rise and fall, promising to delve into the Long Island congressional race that propelled him.
Santos’s expulsion from the U.S. House of Representatives marked a rare moment in Congressional history, with bipartisan support for his removal following a detailed House Ethics Committee investigation. As Santos faces 23 criminal counts in federal court, his story continues to captivate, ensuring that George Santos remains a prominent figure in public discourse and entertainment.