Adele broke character during a "Saturday Night Live " sketch about the "Tourism Board of Africa."- Alongside "SNL" cast members Kate McKinnon and Heidi Gardner, the singer played a divorcée that found a "new beginning" amongst the "tribesmen" in Africa.
- Some fans loved the sketch and thought Adele losing her composure was one of the best moments of the night.
- Others criticized the "SNL" writers for the premise behind the skit and claimed they were "fetishizing" African men.
Adele couldn't contain her laughter during a "Saturday Night Live" sketch about the "Tourism Board of Africa."
While standing alongside "SNL" cast members Kate McKinnon and Heidi Gardner, the 32-year-old singer pretended to be a divorcée speaking about her experience in "beautiful, beautiful Africa."
And while the women listed off reasons why tourists should flock to the continent, emphasizing the "tribesmen," Adele broke character and giggled when she mentioned the "lush, dangling foliage."
McKinnon explained that her character traveled to Africa to find a "new beginning" after her divorce, leading Adele to state that they're "better new in the crystal waters and sandy beaches of Africa."
The singer added that she's found such a "deep, deep connection" to the continent, struggling to deliver the line through her laughter.
"You can feel it in your stomach," cast member Heidi Gardner added, reiterating Adele's remarks.
Both Gardner and McKinnon remained composed throughout the sketch, but the Grammy-winning musician bent over with laughter toward the end.
Watching Adele break character during the sketch entertained many 'SNL' viewers, with some citing it as one of the episode's best moments
One fan called Adele's break in character the "absolute best" while another labeled it as "what we all need in #2020."
—shy johns (@keemi2viverant) October 25, 2020
—Rose Bianco (@Rosamariabianco) October 25, 2020
—love, blue (@Oscar_JP23) October 25, 2020
—Candace Kelly (@candacekellyto) October 25, 2020
—Alex (@ohnoanopinion) October 25, 2020
—Kara Jenne (@MissingOutside) October 25, 2020
—feelinWILLIEgood (@FWilliegood) October 25, 2020
—Taylor (@AzurillStreep) October 25, 2020
—Hidi Gaff (@hidigaff) October 25, 2020
While the sketch amused some people, others weren't on board with the premise behind Adele's laughter
Numerous viewers felt that the "SNL" writers portrayed Africa as a playground for white women by showing Adele, McKinnon, and Gardner tossing sexual innuendos about the African "tribesmen."
Some even claimed the sketch was "fetishizing" African men.
—✨ (@heyjaeee) October 25, 2020
—Prince Shakur (@prshakur) October 25, 2020
—ⓔkeane (@peachy__keane) October 25, 2020
—Mayra Mejia (She/Her) (@MayraTweeets) October 25, 2020
—Dometi Pongo (@Dometi_) October 25, 2020
—chicken (@BitchassChicken) October 25, 2020
—Chantal Rochelle (@chantalrochelle) October 25, 2020
—kim giordano (@supersinga) October 25, 2020
Though much of the criticism was directed toward the writers behind the scene, Adele has faced similar backlash in the past.
Prior to her hosting debut on "SNL," Adele was accused of cultural appropriation.
In August, the singer posted an Instagram photo wearing a Jamaican flag bikini and Bantu knots, a hairstyle that originated from the Zulu people in southern Africa and has become rooted in Black culture.
Both the Bantu knots and the bikini pattern confused fans, leading to a slew of memes and backlash on Twitter.