Kerry Washington kept mum about her pregnancy during Saturday Night Live, but one thing was immediately addressed — the lack of African-American women in the SNL cast. During the Scandal star’s cold opening, Washington played several famous black women alongside President Barack Obama (Jay Pharaoh).
In the skit, the 36-year-old actress played Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. When asked to exit the Oval Office to return as Beyonce by secret service (Taran Killam), a voiceover came on to make an announcement, along with text on the TV screen.
“The producers at Saturday Night Live would like to apologize to Kerry Washington for the number of black women she will be asked to play,” the statement read. “We make these requests because Ms. Washington is an actress of considerable range and talent – and also because SNL does not currently have a black woman on the cast. Mostly the latter.”
It continued: “We agree this is not an ideal situation and look forward to rectifying it in the near future, unless, of course, we fall in love with another white guy first.” As the sketch ended Rev. Al Sharpton then appeared with a message: “What have we learned from this sketch? As usual, nothing.”
Lorne Michaels and SNL’s producers have been defending the series recently as critics have come forward criticizing the lack of diversity in the show, specifically not having a black woman in the cast. “It’s not like it’s not a priority for us,” Michaels told the Associated Press earlier this week. “It will happen. I’m sure it will happen.”
During her monologue, Washington also poked fun of her alter ego, political “fixer” Olivia Pope and her ABC series Scandal by SNL regulars approaching her with their problems. During the bit, she also donned a loose-fitted black dress that strategically covered up her baby bump.
Us Weekly exclusively broke news late last month that the actress is expecting her first child with husband Nnamdi Asomugha. Since then, the stunning star has also concealed her pregnant belly during an Oct. 31 appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon by wearing a roomy blouse.
“She’s about four months along,” an insider told Us. Washington and the San Francisco 49ers cornerback began dating in the summer of 2012 and secretly tied the knot on June 24 in Hailey, Idaho.
