Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been criticized for a sketch about Tourette syndrome, with the charity Tourette Action calling it "not acceptable".

The sketch featured cast members portraying celebrities like Bill Cosby, Mel Gibson, JK Rowling, Kanye West, Armie Hammer, and Louis CK, who blamed past controversial behavior on Tourette's.

Emma McNally, CEO of Tourette Action, stated: "Mocking a disability is never acceptable. It would not be tolerated for any other condition."

The sketch aired following controversy at the BAFTA Awards, where Tourette's campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur.

Davidson emphasized that his tics are involuntary and do not reflect his personal beliefs.

McNally explained that Tourette's is a complex neurological condition and "not a joke".

NBC Universal, SNL's broadcaster, has been asked for comment.

Separately, comedian Deon Cole faced backlash for joking about Tourette's at the NAACP Image Awards.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan condemned the jokes as "one of the most despicable things" he has witnessed.

Source: www.bbc.com