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Steven Martin’s ‘King Tut’ Sketch from 1978 Sparks Twitter Debate on Cultural Appropriation
Steve Martin’s “King Tut” sketch from 1978 resurfaced on Twitter this weekend, sparking a debate on cultural appropriation and satirical comedy.
On April 22, 1978, Martin made his fifth appearance on Saturday Night Live, during which he performed a song mocking a traveling exhibit that featured 55 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
“Born in Arizona, Moved to Babylonia (King Tut),” Martin sings. “(King Tut) Now, if I’d known They’d line up just to see you, I’d trade in all my money And bought me a museum. (King Tut).”
Martin’s song “King Tut” was penned and performed as a satirical take on the exhibit, which was on tour in the United States for more than two years, yet some 2022 Twitter users seemed confused by the sketch and viewed it as cultural appropriation.
Yes, Mediaite actually said "Steven."
