Kerry Washington Helps “SNL” Poke Fun at Diversity Issue

Washington hosted and played the First Lady and Oprah in the same sketch

This week's "Saturday Night Live" host Kerry Washington wasted no time helping address the lack of  African-American women in the show's cast.

In the opening sketch, Washington portrayed first Lady Michelle Obama discussing an upcoming state dinner with President Obama (Jay Pharoah) in the Oval Office. The two were interrupted by an aide, who came in, saying Oprah Winfrey had arrived for the dinner and wanted to see the president.

Washington was "asked" to change into another costume and come back as Winfrey. While Washington changed, a voiceover came on to make an announcement:

"The producers at Saturday Night Live would like to apologize to Kerry Washington for the number of black women she will be asked to play. We make these requests because Ms. Washington is an actress of considerable range and talent – and also because SNL does not currently have a black woman on the cast. Mostly the latter. We agree this is not an ideal situation and look forward to rectifying it in the near future, unless, of course, we fall in love with another white guy first."

Washington returned as Oprah, but was asked to leave again because Beyonce was waiting to meet with the president.

President Obama asked if anyone else would be visiting him and his aide said they had an exciting treat: in came six castmembers dressed as "Dallas Buyers Club" star Matthew McConaughey.

The sketch concluded with a message from the real Rev. Al Sharpton: "What have we learned from this sketch? As usual, nothing."

During her opening monologue, Washington told the audience how much she enjoys her time on the ABC drama "Scandal."

"I am so proud to be on a show that, in 2013, has the courage to cast a white man as President," Washington said.

Washington also appeared in some of the most memorable skits of the season, including a spoof of the Ylvis viral music video "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" with Pharoah that centered around a couple having communication and trust issues.

"Weekend Update" with Seth Meyers and Cecily Strong picked up the political slack by focusing on the continuing NSA scandal and the problems plaguing the federal Healthcare.gov website.

With reports that the U.S. bugged her phone from 2002-2013, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Kate McKinnon) took the time on "Weekend Update" to defend her phone's browser search history, which included shirtless photos of "How I Met Your Mother" actor Jason Seigel.

"It was a violation of my privacy," Merkel said. "The period in which they were tapping my mobile was a particularly dark one for me. Being Chancellor is a lonely job…during this time, I made many embarrassing calls. Several hundred to my local Bratwurst shop, mostly for delivery, but some times just to chat."

Merkel even discussed what she thought was on Obama's phone.

"I bet Obama has the coolest search history," she said. "Like, how to manage your many friends? What is the healthiest vegetable? Can your marriage be too happy? Jason Seigel, fully clothed."

This week's musical guest Eminem performed "Berzerker" and "Survival of the Fittest."

The show also paid tribute to legendary musician Lou Reed, who passed away last Sunday from complications following a liver transplant. He was 74.

Next week's host and musical guest will be Lady Gaga.

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