Julia Sweeney Defends 'Pat' Character Amid Backlash

Julia Sweeney recently addressed the backlash surrounding her iconic character 'Pat' from Saturday Night Live during an appearance on The View, ahead of the SNL 50th Anniversary Special. The character, known for its androgyny, has faced criticism as potentially mocking transgender and non-binary identities. Sweeney clarified that Pat is neither trans nor non-binary, emphasizing that the humor stemmed from other characters' inability to classify Pat's gender. Despite the criticism, she expressed pride in the character and noted that a documentary about Pat is set to release next year, highlighting how the character has inspired some within the transgender comedy community. Sweeney acknowledged the controversy but believes that the intent behind Pat was misunderstood and reflects positively on her time portraying the character. She described the documentary process as therapeutic and reaffirmed her affection for Pat, stating, 'I love Pat now.'