SNL alum Maya Rudolph has been slammed by social media users for being overly sensitive after she called David Letterman because he made her feel “embarrassed and humiliated” during a 2009 interview.
The interview in question saw the late-night icon seemingly mix up the comic book woman’s name and introduce her as “the beautiful Amaya Rudolph” on her very first appearance on the program — before issuing a profuse apology.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” an apologetic Letterman tells the audience in the recently unearthed clip, before turning to the Bridesmaids actress, seated at his side.
Noticing Rudolph’s discomfort, Letterman apologizes like a full pro when he returns from advertising — even though the error sounds suspiciously close to a speech pattern.
“I’m sorry I mispronounced your name,” the now-retired announcer says in the 12-year-old footage. ‘There is no excuse for that.’
The host continues to put his hand on Rudolph’s. “From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely apologize.”
At this point, Rudolph, seemingly satisfied, responded with a sincere “thank you” while lovingly clasping Letterman’s hand.
Now, more than a decade later, the interview has resurfaced after Rudolph complained about the innocuous exchange in an interview with WSJ magazine.
Scroll down for the video:
SNL alum Maya Rudolph has been slammed by social media users for being overly sensitive after she called David Letterman because he felt “humiliated” during a 2009 interview
“I wasn’t having a good time,” recalled Rudolph, now 50, of meeting Letterman, who left the show in 2014 after a storied 32-year career as a late-night network TV host.
“He got my name wrong, and I just sat there and said, ‘I grew up in love with you my whole life.’ And now my heart is broken. And I sit here embarrassed and humiliated.”
Increasingly dramatically, the comedian continued, “I didn’t know how to deal with it. I didn’t know how to say anything funny. My public personality muscle wasn’t strong yet.’
Over time, she said, she’s adapted — and has grown a thicker coat since then. “I’ve definitely gotten a lot better,” she told the publication. “When I’m uncomfortable, I try to be funny.”
Now, more than a decade later, the interview has resurfaced after Rudolph complained about the innocuous exchange in an interview with WSJ magazine (pictured).
Rudolph described the incident as a learning experience and, more than 12 years after the crime, still seemed visibly annoyed by the supposed trifle
Rudolph described the incident as a learning experience and, more than 12 years after the crime, still seemed visibly annoyed by the supposed trifle.
Magazine readers and social media users across the country quickly took notice, slamming the actress for her thin skin over what seemed like an innocent mistake — if it was one at all.
“So David Letterman mispronounced your name and that humiliated and embarrassed you?” One user shared this via Twitter, stunned by Rudolph’s fixation on an exchange that unfolded during Barack Obama’s first year as president.
‘Are you sure? They obviously didn’t experience any real humiliation or embarrassment at having such thin skin,” the viewer wrote. “Please overcome yourself.”
Magazine readers and social media users across the country quickly took notice, slamming the actress for her thin skin
Another added: “So #davidletterman mispronounced @MayaRudolph’s name decades ago (and apologized on air at the time btw) and all this time later she’s dragging him through the mud saying he humiliated her?!!! For real?!?!’
Others criticized Rudolph’s reaction as unjustified – even if a mistake had happened.
“So @Letterman said @MayaRudolph’s name is wrong, my answer to that is… So? as long as it happens, it’s no big deal at all to accidentally get your name wrong on stage.
“How Fragile is Maya Rudolph?” asked another. A fifth reiterated: “Someone who said your name wrong broke your heart? Damn girl.’
Someone else just snapped, “Grow up girl.”
Rudolph, who left SNL two years before the fateful Letterman spot, has yet to publicly respond to the backlash – while Letterman, now 75, through a rep “respectfully” declined to comment.
Rudolph starred on SNL for seven seasons and last year took home her second Emmy for a guest appearance portraying Vice President Kamala Harris.
She has had a number of smaller roles, mostly on television, since 2011’s Bridesmaids comic and is currently providing the voice for Nick Kroll’s Netflix animated series Big Mouth.
She has been in a relationship with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson since 2001 and lives in the San Fernando Valley with their four children.
She has yet to address the controversy.