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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jacob Stolworthy

SNL skewers Michael Cohen testimony with Ben Stiller skit: 'I had help from the guys who wrote Green Book'

Saturday Night Live tore into Michael Cohen’s testimony before Congress with Ben Stiller assuming the role of Donald Trump’s former attorney.

The skit, which sent up the congressional hearing that occurred at Capitol Hill on Wednesday, began with Kenan Thompson in character as US Representative Elijah Cummings, ordering: “Please do not ooh and ah. This is not ‘Married... with Children.”

Stiller, as Cohen, accused Trump of racism, quipping in reference to this year’s Best Picture Oscar-winner: “I had some help from the guys who wrote Green Book.” The joke was alluding to a resurfaced tweet by the film’s co-writer Nick Vallelonga that accused Muslims of celebrating 9/11. 

The audience was in laughter as Stiller began delivering lyrics to the song “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia. “I can see the perfect sky is torn,” he said before thanking Cummings.

He also referred to his past lies before Congress at a previous testimony, adding: “I know that I was wrong – and I know it because I got caught.”

Melissa Villaseñor also appeared in the skit, playing US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is the subject of a new documentary recently bought by Netflix.

This weekend’s episode of SNL was hosted by stand-up comedian John Mulaney.

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