Saturday Night Live (SNL) is under scrutiny after featuring Canadian indie band Arcade Fire as the musical guest on its May 10, 2025 episode, despite past sexual misconduct allegations against frontman Win Butler.
The episode, hosted by actor Walton Goggins, marked Arcade Fire’s sixth appearance on the show. The band performed two tracks from their upcoming sixth album, Pink Elephant. However, their inclusion sparked criticism from viewers who questioned the decision to spotlight the band given the unresolved allegations against Butler.
In 2022, Butler faced accusations from multiple individuals, including claims of coercive control, emotional abuse, unsolicited explicit messages, and physical assault. While Butler acknowledged having consensual relationships with the accusers and expressed remorse, the controversy has continued to shadow the band’s public engagements.
Social media platforms were rife with reactions, with many fans expressing discomfort and disappointment over SNL’s choice. Some viewers felt the show failed to address the gravity of the allegations by providing a prominent platform to the band without acknowledging the controversy.
The episode also featured a notable return of former cast member Cecily Strong, who reprised her role as Judge Jeanine Pirro during the cold open. Goggins’ monologue touched on his recent roles and included a heartfelt moment where he invited his mother onstage for a dance, celebrating Mother’s Day.
As SNL approaches its season finale, the decision to feature Arcade Fire has ignited discussions about accountability and the responsibilities of entertainment platforms in addressing past misconduct allegations.