Part 2/7:
The sketch in question did not receive the intended comedic reception. Instead, it ignited a firestorm, alienating a substantial portion of the viewership—over 80 million people in the United States alone reacted negatively. Tom Hanks, a beloved figure in Hollywood, faced intense scrutiny and criticism that led him to disable commentary on his Instagram account. As the outrage escalated, both NBC and Hanks entered damage control mode, attempting to mitigate the adverse effects of the backlash.