Chloe Fineman, a well-known cast member of Saturday Night Live, recently opened up about an emotionally charged moment during Elon Musk’s hosting stint on the show in May 2021. In a now-deleted TikTok video, Fineman shared that Musk’s demeanor toward her left her feeling deeply hurt and upset. She described the incident as one of the most difficult experiences of her career, recounting how Musk's interaction with her made her "burst into tears."
A Tense Moment During Table Read
According to Fineman, during a table read for the episode, Musk gave her a cold and disapproving stare that made her feel as though she was being reprimanded. "You stared at me like you were firing me from Tesla," Fineman claimed, explaining that the moment felt harsh and unkind. She elaborated on how the exchange left her feeling emotionally overwhelmed, adding that she felt powerless in the face of Musk's dismissive attitude.
The alleged incident highlights some of the behind-the-scenes tension that can occur when high-profile celebrities host SNL. While Saturday Night Live is known for attracting a range of guest hosts, including controversial figures, the incident with Musk stood out to Fineman, who is typically known for her bubbly, comedic persona.
The Aftermath and Reflection
Following the incident, Fineman said she was left in tears and struggling with the emotional weight of Musk’s behavior. While the SNL cast is used to navigating the challenges of live television, the exchange with Musk was different, and Fineman noted that it took her a while to recover from the encounter.
In the TikTok post, Fineman, who often discusses her SNL experiences with fans, did not shy away from expressing the emotional toll that the situation took on her. Although she deleted the post shortly after, the video caught the attention of her followers, many of whom offered support and empathized with the comedian's vulnerability.
Elon Musk’s Hosting Experience on SNL
Musk’s appearance on Saturday Night Live was highly anticipated, but it was not without controversy. His monologue included several moments that divided audiences, and his style of humor—often eccentric and blunt—was met with mixed reactions. Musk’s reputation as a tech mogul and unconventional public figure added to the intrigue surrounding his hosting duties, but the episode also faced criticism for some of his more polarizing remarks.
For Fineman, the experience of working with Musk was a difficult one, and her candid admission about the emotional impact of the interaction has sparked broader conversations about the dynamics of celebrity culture and the challenges that come with working in a high-pressure, public-facing environment like SNL.
Behind the Scenes at SNL: Navigating Tensions with Hosts
While SNL is renowned for its cutting-edge comedy and star-studded roster of guest hosts, the behind-the-scenes relationships are not always as lighthearted as the sketches portrayed on stage. The dynamic between cast members and hosts can range from collaborative to tense, depending on personalities, creative vision, and expectations. In this case, Fineman’s vulnerability in sharing her experience provides a rare glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by performers who are expected to maintain professionalism in high-stakes environments.
Fineman’s post, though deleted, has led to a renewed discussion about the treatment of cast members and the toll that working with high-profile figures can take on their mental and emotional well-being. Fans of Fineman have rallied behind her, expressing their admiration for her honesty and openness about the difficult experiences she has faced.
While Fineman’s relationship with Musk remains a personal matter, her ability to turn an uncomfortable situation into a moment of reflection is being seen as a testament to her resilience as both a performer and an individual in a challenging industry.