What was expected to be a comedic comeback for the Naked Samoans has ignited outrage, with their latest show being widely criticized for crossing lines of respect and sensitivity.
The group’s upcoming performance, “The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans,” part of the New Zealand Comedy Festival, has attracted significant backlash, particularly from members of the Christian and Pacific communities.
The controversy stems from their promotional poster, which recreates Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic “The Last Supper” with the troupe members cast in the revered scene—a gesture many feel trivializes a sacred moment in Christianity.
Online, the response has been ferocious.
Critics describe the image as “disrespectful” and “tone-deaf,” citing its disregard for both Christian symbolism and Pacific cultural values. One social media user exclaimed, “Never thought our own people would stoop this low. Why mock something so sacred to our faith?”
Although the poster was swiftly removed from the group’s Instagram account, the damage had already been done, with screenshots circulating widely. For some, it represents an egregious affront to community values, particularly during a time when Pacific Islanders face cultural and social challenges in mainstream spaces.
However, as backlash mounts, fans of the group have stepped forward in defense, arguing that satire and irreverence are core to the group’s comedic identity.
Supporters question why similar critiques aren’t leveled at other comedians who challenge sacred icons in their acts. One fan commented, “This is who the Naked Samoans are—they’ve always been edgy and unfiltered.”
Still, the wounds remain fresh for many who feel the show’s concept and its promotional materials reflect a broader insensitivity, not only to religion but also to cultural harmony.
As the show’s debut approaches, the question lingers: How far is too far in the name of comedy?
