'SNL' takes on Iran attacks and Khamenei killing in cold open

The latest "SNL" cold open couldn't be more timely.

"Saturday Night Live"kicked off its Feb. 28 episode with a sketchaddressing news that the United States and Israel launched military strikes and combat operations against Iranearlier in the day, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In the cold open, James Austin Johnson played PresidentDonald Trumpdelivering remarks and declaring, "Happy World War III to all who celebrate!"

Johnson's Trump went on to say he launched the attack on Iran because he and his "Board of Peace decided that we were bored of peace" and because he needed help "distracting from the Epstein files."

"I know on the campaign trail I promised no new foreign wars," he said. "But listen: Wars, plural, right? I'm allowed to do one."

Surprise!'Heated Rivalry' star Hudson Williams joins Connor Storrie on 'SNL'

In a meta moment, Johnson's Trump also implied the breaking news required "SNL" to throw out a cold open focused on the president's State of the Union address earlier in the week.

"People are asking, 'Why attack Iran now?' Well, we had to strike in the early hours of Saturday, which has two advantages militarily: One, it's after the stock market closes for the weekend, and two, it's to cause immeasurable fear, rage and chaos in the 'SNL' writer's room," he said. "Those guys were going crazy. They probably had a big State of the Union address thing they were going to do. Not anymore!"

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Colin Jostsoon entered as Defense SecretaryPete Hegsethto declare that although he seems confident, "I am scared and I don't know what I'm doing. When he said we were going to blow up the leader of Iran, I thought he was kidding."

Harry Styles is returning to 'SNL':Get the details

The "SNL" sketch kicked off the show's first new episode after a nearly month-long hiatus. It was also a return to the sketch show's typical format of beginning with a Trump spoof;the cold open of the previous episode on Jan. 31, hosted by Alexander Skarsgård, was rare in that it didn't feature Johnson's portrayal of the president. Instead, former cast member Pete Davidson returned to play White House border czarTom Homan.

Connor Storriehosted the Feb. 28 episode of "SNL," coming off the massive success of "Heated Rivalry." The hockey romance series, streaming on HBO Max, has catapulted Storrie from obscurity to stardom, and the actor made his debut on late-night television in January with a "Late Night With Seth Meyers" interview.

'SNL' cold open:Trump distracts from 'freaks and psychos' in ICE

Mumford & Sons served as musical guest for Storrie's "SNL" episode.

Who's hosting 'SNL' next?

Saturday's episode is the first ofthree consecutive weeks of new "SNL" shows.

Next week's episode will feature thereturn of Ryan Gosling, who is serving as host for the fourth time alongside musical guest Gorillaz. The week after,Harry Styles is doing double dutyas host and musical guest on March 14.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'SNL' cold open addresses Trump's Iran attacks, Khamenei killing

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

'SNL' takes on Iran attacks and Khamenei killing in cold open

The latest "SNL" cold open couldn't be more timely. "Saturday Night Live"kicked off it...

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Delroy Lindo addresses racial slur aimed at him and Michael B. Jordan

PASADENA, California −Delroy Lindoaddressed a recent controversial moment when he and his "Sinners" costarMichael B. Jordantook the stage at the 57thNAACP Image Awards, their first public appearance since a racial slur was hurled at them during theBAFTAs.

At the British awards show on Feb. 22, Tourette's syndrome advocateJohn Davidsonhurled a racial slur while Lindo and Jordan, who are Black, were presenting an award for visual effects. Davidson has cited hisTourette's syndromeas the reason why he yelled the slur and condemned the racial slur he used.

The two "Sinner" actors returned to the spotlight at the NAACP awards on Feb 28 in Los Angeles County, where the talent behind the Oscar-nominated film was celebrated. While presenting best supporting actress in a movie alongside "Sinners" directorRyan Coogler, Lindo expressed gratitude.

"I'd just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us," he said at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Lindo added that he felt honored to receive "incredible support" after the distressing incident at the U.K. ceremony, calling it "a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive."

Jordan did not address the moment during the broadcast, though he and Lindo had an untelevised conversation shortly after Lindo's speech. During the exchange, Lindo, 73, playfully shoved Jordan, 39, who was seated in front of him.

The "Creed III" actor accepted the award for best actor in a movie, dedicated the win to his late"Black Panther" co-star Chadwick Boseman, and said, "I love being Black." Jordan later took the night's top prize, entertainer of the year, where he urged anyone hoping to find success to keep working hard, be a good person and "lead with love and kindness."

"The world needs more unity, more grace, more empathy," he said.

Regina Hall, Deon Cole address BAFTAs incident at NAACP Image Awards

Host Deon Cole quipped about the controversy at the start of the broadcast, reminding everyone to remember Saturday was the last day of Black History Month.

"Lord, if there are any white men out there with Tourette's, I advise you to tell them to read the room tonight." Cole said.

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"One Battle After Another" actressRegina Hallcommemorated Jordan and Lindo while presenting the first award of the night. "I'd like to take a moment to thank the two kings who are in this audience and just send you so much love for your class."

The biggest names in Hollywood stepped out to honor Black excellence at the 57th NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 28, 2026. See the night's head-turning looks, starting with Halle Bailey.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Halle Bailey

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kerry Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Viola Davis

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Julius Tennon (from left), Viola Davis and Genesis Tennon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Issa Rae

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Chloe Bailey

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Colman Domingo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Chase Infiniti

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sterling K. Brown

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Quinta Brunson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Janelle James

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Don Lemon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Uzo Aduba

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Regé-Jean Page

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> JaNa Craig

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Michael Jai White and Gillian White

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lovie Simone

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> DomiNque Perry

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Malinda Williams

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Cheryl James (aka Salt)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Sandra Denton (aka Pepa)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> DJ Spinderella

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Edwina Findley

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Tyler James Williams

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jayme Lawson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Trevor Jackson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Eva Marcille

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Maurice Johnson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ryan Michelle Bathe

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> KJ Smith

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Malcolm Barrett

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Skyh Black

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Karla Mosley

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ambyr Michelle

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Bree Webber

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Celeste Seda

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Miranda Rae Mayo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Tyriq Withers

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jennifer Sears

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Danielle LaRoach

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Aiyana-Lee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Porscha Coleman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jhone Lucas

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Crystal Renee Hayslett

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jordan Coleman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Claudia Jordan

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Branden Wellington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Tyla

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ledisi

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ms. Pat

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See Halle Bailey, Kerry Washington arrive on NAACP Image Awards carpet

The biggest names in Hollywood stepped out to honor Black excellence at the57th NAACP Image Awardson Feb. 28, 2026. See the night's head-turning looks, starting with Halle Bailey.

Later, "Abbott Elementary" star and creatorQuinta Brunsongave a shout-out to the "Sinners" cast and crew during her acceptance speech, saying, "We see you" and "We're behind you."

John Davidson, BAFTAs and BBC apologize

Following the moment at the BAFTAs, Davidson said his use of the slur was a symptom of Tourette's with Coprolalia, which involves involuntary outbursts of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks, according to theTourette Association of America.

"I want to be really clear that the intent behind them is zero. What you're hearing is a symptom − not my character, not my thought, not my belief," he said in an email interviewVarietypublished on Feb. 24. "The most offensive word that I ticked at the ceremony is a word I would never use and would completely condemn if I did not have Tourette's."

Davidson, 54, was at the U.K. ceremony as executive producer and subject of a BAFTA-nominated film titled "I Swear," which chronicles his own experiences with the condition for nearly four decades.

BBC also faced backlash as the moment was not edited out of the broadcast, which aired with a two-hour delay and remained on the BBC's streaming service the morning after.

In an internal memo shared with USA TODAY on Feb. 25, BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips wrote, "I'm so sorry that a racial slur was not edited out of our broadcast. We understand how distressing this was." She added that a different racial slur was removed from the broadcast. "This one was aired in error and we would never have knowingly allowed this to be broadcast."

The BAFTAs also issued an apology for "putting our guests in a very difficult situation" in a lengthy statement published byThe Hollywood Reporter.

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Delroy Lindo, Michael B. Jordan attend NAACP Image Awards after BAFTAs

byAlex Forten

in Celebrities, Lifestyle, Politics, ShowBiz, Sports

February 28, 2026

Delroy Lindo addresses racial slur aimed at him and Michael B. Jordan

PASADENA, California −Delroy Lindoaddressed a recent controversial moment when he and his "Sinners" costarMicha...

Read More