Comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Leslie Jones is making headlines after revealing details about an uncomfortable encounter with a director from her SNL days during the show’s recent 50th-anniversary party.
Speaking on the comedy podcast Good One, Jones described being approached at the event by a director she has clashed with in the past. According to Jones, the encounter brought back memories of a strained working relationship from her time on the show.
“He came up to me and asked to take a picture,” Jones said on the podcast. “I told him, ‘No, I don’t want to take a picture with you.’ It just brought up everything I went through working with him.”
Jones explained that another attendee, actor Paul Rudd, stepped in to take a photo instead, but the situation left her feeling frustrated and uncomfortable.
Longstanding Tensions
Jones joined SNL in 2014 and remained with the cast until 2019, becoming known for her high-energy performances and biting humor. During her tenure, she occasionally clashed with members of the production team over creative differences.
In previous interviews, Jones had hinted at difficulties with one particular director, saying she felt disrespected during the filming of a pre-taped sketch several years ago. The tension, she said, was one of the factors that made her time at the show both rewarding and challenging.
“Working at SNL is a tough environment,” she once said. “It’s creative, it’s stressful, and sometimes the personalities just don’t mix. You learn to stand your ground.”
Mixed Feelings at a Milestone Celebration
The SNL 50 event, held in New York City, brought together decades of cast members, writers, and crew to celebrate the long-running show’s legacy. For many alumni, it was a nostalgic reunion — but for Jones, it also meant confronting unresolved feelings about her past experience.
While she didn’t name the director in her recent comments, Jones’s remarks suggest that her discomfort stems from broader issues she faced behind the scenes — including creative conflicts and power dynamics that have often been part of the SNL culture.
Moving Forward
Jones has continued to build a successful career since leaving SNL, hosting game shows, touring as a stand-up comic, and starring in film and television projects. Her willingness to speak candidly about her experiences at SNL reflects a broader shift in how former cast members discuss the realities of working on the iconic sketch show.
As of now, neither the unnamed director nor NBC has commented on Jones’s account.
A Legacy of Laughter and Lessons
Even amid controversy, Jones expressed gratitude for what SNL gave her — a platform to showcase her talent and reach millions of viewers. “That show was a grind,” she said in a past interview, “but it taught me who I am and what I’m willing to put up with.”
Her story adds another layer to the complex history of SNL — a show celebrated for its humor and cultural impact, but also known for the creative tensions that come with producing live comedy at the highest level.
