9. Sinead O’Connor
source: Spin
Sinead O’Connor appeared on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest in 1992. She performed a version of Bob Marley’s “War,” and then she held up a photo of Pope John Paul II (while singing the word “evil”) and tore the picture into pieces. From there she announced “fight the real enemy,” and threw the photo shreds at the camera.
Lorne Michaels (known for his dislike of unscripted moments) had no knowledge of O’Connor’s plan, as during the dress rehearsal she had held up a photo of a refugee child. Michaels says that “the air went out of the studio” during the shocking moment. Michaels, who ordered that the applause sign not be used, called O’Connor’s behavior “a betrayal.”
During his opening monologue the following week, host Joe Pesci held up the photo, explaining that he had taped it back together. He then tore up a photo of O’Connor, which was met with huge applause. His action was meant as an apology from SNL to its audience.
Here’s the infamous moment, in all its awkward glory:
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