Scarlett Johansson’s shocked expression during a “vulgar” joke exchange on Saturday Night Live was genuine. The incident occurred during the December 21 episode where her husband, “SNL” star Colin Jost, read inappropriate jokes about her that were penned by his co-host Michael Che. The actors were unaware of the jokes written for them until read live on air, enhancing the spontaneity and genuine reactions captured.

Discussing the segment on TODAY as a guest co-host on January 24, Johansson remarked on the inappropriateness of the jokes, stating, “It’s wrong. It’s just wrong, you guys. It got so vulgar.” The segment pushed the boundaries, with one joke crudely referencing Johansson’s genitalia, leaving her in genuine shock—a sentiment affirmed by Jost on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.

Jost struggled to maintain composure as he delivered Che’s lines, while Johansson, watching backstage, was visibly unnerved. Despite having agreed to participate under strict terms to avoid controversy, the content proved to be more provocative than expected.

Even Emma Stone, present for a special segment, expressed her discomfort with the jokes. Che’s comedic jabs, according to Johansson, seemed like a personal vendetta, light-heartedly suggesting a future teleprompter swap as a chance for revenge. This idea was encouraged by Jenna Bush Hager, hinting at a potential setup for Johansson to turn the tables on Che in a future episode of Jenna & Friends.