Pop superstar Harry Styles addressed past accusations of “queer-baiting” during his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live (SNL), combining humor with candid commentary on his career and personal life.
Reflecting on his hiatus after concluding the Love On Tour in 2023, Styles joked about his use of fruit as a metaphor in song lyrics. “I realised I’d spent half my life in music – touring, playing albums, and making songs about fruit that people think are about sx,” he quipped. “I just really like fruit, guys. I like sx, too.”
The former One Direction member also addressed critics who focused on his fashion choices and accused him of queer-baiting. “But did it ever occur to you that… maybe you don’t know everything about me, Dad?” Styles added, eliciting laughs from the SNL audience.
In addition to poking fun at himself, Styles took aim at disgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, displaying a shocking image of him in the back of a police car, highlighting the contrast between his own public scrutiny and Andrew’s legal troubles.
Styles, 32, also admitted that his time away from the spotlight made him “tremendously boring,” joking about taking up jogging: “There’s nothing interesting about that. But because I’m me, people pretend to find that interesting… I don’t run to be interesting. I do it for the feeling it gives me, that runner’s high.” He cheekily added, “Watermelon sugar high, runner’s high. And if that doesn’t do it for you, I also love ecstasy.”
The SNL appearance coincides with Styles achieving a second UK chart double following the release of his latest album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally. The Official Charts Company confirmed the new release topped both album and singles charts, with additional tracks entering the Top 5.
Styles’ SNL monologue highlights his playful approach to fame, public perception, and personal expression while celebrating continued musical success.