Joe Pesci Criticized for Controversial Comments on Sinead O’Connor’s Pope Stunt

Joe Pesci is facing backlash for his previous remarks where he expressed that he would have “slapped” Sinead O'Connor on Saturday Night Live (SNL) after she tore up a photo of the pope.

The incident occurred in October 1992, one week after O'Connor's performance on the show.

O'Connor sang a cover of Bob Marley's “War” and then controversially ripped up a photo of Pope John Paul II while stating, “Fight the real enemy.”

Her action was a protest against the s**ual abuse of children by the Catholic Church.

O'Connor later reflected on the backlash she faced in her memoir, Rememberings, where she discussed how some people believed that tearing up the pope's photo negatively impacted her career.

However, she disagreed, stating that having a No.

1 record actually derailed her career and that tearing the photo put her back on track.

During Joe Pesci's opening monologue on SNL the following week, he addressed the controversy surrounding O'Connor's actions.

Pesci mentioned that he thought what she did was wrong and jokingly claimed to have someone paste the photo back together.

He then presented the reassembled photo to applause from the audience and commented that if it were his show, he would have given O'Connor a smack, even grabbing her by her eyebrows in reference to her bald head.

Fans of Joe Pesci are expressing shock and disappointment over his comments, particularly the fact that the crowd cheered in response.

Many took to social media to express their disapproval, calling out Pesci and those involved in the incident.

The video clip of Pesci's monologue has been widely shared, with some users condemning his behavior and the applause he received.

The Independent has reached out to Joe Pesci for comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, tributes and updates regarding Sinead O'Connor continue to emerge as people reflect on her life and career.