“THAT WAS A STUPID QUESTION!” – Lisa Kudrow’s Viral Impersonation of Karoline Leavitt Sparks Debate
In a comedic tour de force that has taken the internet by storm, Lisa Kudrow, beloved for her role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, delivered a biting impersonation of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a recent comedy special. The performance, aired on August 15, 2025, at a Los Angeles comedy club, featured Kudrow mimicking Leavitt’s now-infamous retort, “What a stupid question!” from a June 2025 press briefing. Hailed as “brilliant” by critics and fans alike, the viral clip has ignited heated discussions online, with some praising Kudrow’s razor-sharp satire and others questioning the harshness of her remarks. The impersonation, rooted in Leavitt’s real-life clash with reporters, has thrust both women into the spotlight, raising questions about comedy, politics, and public discourse.
The inspiration for Kudrow’s performance came from a widely publicized moment on June 11, 2025, when Leavitt, then 27, snapped at NOTUS reporter Jasmine Wright during a White House press briefing. Wright had asked whether President Donald Trump would support peaceful protests during a military parade planned for his 79th birthday in Washington, D.C., especially after Trump’s threat of “very big force” against demonstrators. Leavitt’s response—“Of course the president supports peaceful protest. What a stupid question”—followed by a hair flip and a pivot to criticizing Democrats, drew gasps from the press corps and sparked backlash for its perceived unprofessionalism. Clips of the exchange, shared widely on X, fueled memes and criticism, with users calling Leavitt “rude” and “immature.”
Kudrow, no stranger to comedy with a social edge, seized on this moment for her act. Taking the stage in a blonde wig and tailored blazer, she adopted Leavitt’s cadence and mannerisms, exaggerating her dismissive tone to hilarious effect. “Oh, you want to know about free speech? What a STUPID question!” Kudrow quipped, tossing her hair and smirking at the audience. The routine, part of a broader satire of political spin, included jabs at Leavitt’s defense of controversial policies, like Trump’s immigration crackdowns in Los Angeles, where protests had turned violent. Kudrow’s delivery, blending Phoebe’s quirky charm with biting sarcasm, left the audience roaring, and a 90-second clip posted on X amassed over 10 million views within 48 hours.
The performance has been lauded for its incisive commentary. Critics on X called it “literally every Republican spokesperson,” noting its relevance beyond Leavitt to a broader political archetype. A 2020 clip of Kudrow impersonating a “MAGA spokesperson” resurfaced, with fans marveling at its prescience. Entertainment Weekly praised her “uncanny ability to skewer without malice,” while Variety called it “a masterclass in political comedy.” Yet, the routine has also drawn ire. Some X users accused Kudrow of “punching down” at Leavitt, a relatively young figure in a high-pressure role. One post read, “Lisa’s talented, but mocking Karoline’s age and demeanor feels mean-spirited.” Others defended Leavitt, arguing her “stupid question” remark was justified given the tense context of the briefing, where reporters pressed her on Trump’s ambiguous stance on protests.
Leavitt, who has not publicly responded to the impersonation, is a polarizing figure. A former Trump campaign spokeswoman, she rose to prominence as White House Press Secretary, known for her fierce loyalty and quick-witted defenses of Trump’s policies. Her June outburst, however, drew accusations of unprofessionalism, with one X user stating, “The hair flip and ‘stupid’ comment were so immature—she’s not ready for this job.” Supporters, however, see her as a bold voice standing up to a hostile press, with one X post declaring, “Karoline’s just saying what we all think about gotcha questions.” Her defenders point to the challenges of her role, navigating a media landscape skeptical of Trump’s agenda, including his deployment of National Guard troops to quell Los Angeles riots.
Kudrow, meanwhile, has a storied career that lends weight to her satire. At 62, the Emmy-winning actress has transitioned from sitcom stardom to nuanced roles in The Comeback and Who Do You Think You Are?, often using humor to explore human quirks. Her decision to tackle Leavitt reflects a broader trend of comedians engaging with politics, from Jon Stewart to John Mulaney. Yet, some argue her privilege as a Hollywood icon makes her critique of Leavitt, a younger woman in a less glamorous role, feel uneven. A critic on X wrote, “Lisa’s a legend, but picking on Karoline’s delivery instead of policy feels cheap.” Others see it as fair game, noting that Leavitt’s public role invites scrutiny.
The debate underscores the power of comedy to shape discourse. Kudrow’s impersonation has sparked conversations about the line between satire and cruelty, as well as the challenges women face in public roles. Leavitt’s defenders argue she’s unfairly targeted due to her youth and gender, while Kudrow’s fans say her critique exposes the absurdity of political spin. The viral clip has also highlighted the polarized media environment, with X posts split between those cheering Kudrow’s “genius” and those decrying her as “out of touch.” The controversy has even prompted discussions about free speech, echoing the very issue Leavitt was questioned about, as some wonder if comedians should face limits when mocking public figures.
Ultimately, Kudrow’s performance is a reminder of comedy’s ability to hold a mirror to society. Whether one views Leavitt as a beleaguered spokesperson or a sharp-tongued provocateur, and Kudrow as a comedic genius or an overzealous critic, their clash has captivated the public. The viral video, still trending on X, invites reflection on how we engage with power, humor, and truth. What do you think of Kudrow’s impersonation and Leavitt’s original remark? The conversation, much like the sea, keeps churning with no easy answers.
