In a candid TikTok, Chloe Fineman reveals how Elon Musk’s harsh response to her script during his 2021 SNL hosting stint left her in tears, adding fuel to the ongoing tension between the CEO and the show.
Chloe Fineman, a talented cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), has opened up about a memorable, emotional moment during Elon Musk’s hosting appearance in May 2021. Known for her sharp wit and impeccable impersonations, Fineman made headlines recently when she revealed that Musk was the host who made her cry — a claim she confirmed in a now-deleted TikTok after Musk publicly criticized the show and its impression of him.
In the TikTok video, Fineman explained that she had spent hours crafting a sketch specifically for Musk and was eager to present it to him. However, when she brought the script to Musk, his reaction was less than favorable. “I stayed up all night, and when I walked in, I was so excited,” she recalled. “I asked if he had any questions, and he stared at me like he was firing me from Tesla. He said, ‘It’s not funny.'” Musk, she said, proceeded to sift through her script, bluntly remarking, “I didn’t laugh. I didn’t laugh one time.”
Fineman, who has since written several sketches and received critical acclaim for her work on the show, noted how hurtful and dismissive Musk’s behavior was, particularly after the effort she put into crafting the sketch. She added, “Have a little manners here, sir,” highlighting the emotional impact the encounter had on her.
Her remarks come amid Musk’s recent criticism of SNL, where he dismissed Dana Carvey’s impression of him as “terrible” and claimed that the show had “been dying slowly for years.” These comments resonated with Fineman, who, until then, had not spoken publicly about the strained interaction. In a direct response to Musk’s jabs, she said, “If you’re going to go on your platform and be rude… I’m not going to stay silent anymore.”
Musk’s hosting gig in 2021 was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the billionaire for his humor and others criticizing his approach. Fineman’s candid admission now adds another layer to the behind-the-scenes dynamics that often unfold at SNL. The show, known for its fast-paced production and high-pressure environment, regularly welcomes celebrity hosts, but Musk’s comments have reignited the conversation around his brief and, according to Fineman, emotionally taxing involvement with the show.
While she didn’t specifically name the sketch she worked on for Musk, Fineman is credited with writing for SNL sketches such as “The Ooli Show,” which aired during his hosting week. Despite the fallout, Fineman’s willingness to share her experience offers a glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding world of live television and the personalities that shape it.
As SNL continues to evolve with new hosts and cast members, the tensions between Elon Musk and the show seem far from over, but Fineman’s courage in addressing her own experiences serves as a reminder of the complexities behind the camera on one of America’s longest-running comedy institutions.
