Amy Poehler reveals moment chimpanzee tried to attack her over her 'blond hair'

When it comes to comedy, Amy Poehler is no stranger to throwing herself headfirst into sketches – but one incident back in 2005 took a very unexpected and dangerous turn when a chimpanzee attacked her.

The incident in question occurred on an episode of Saturday Night Live, and even twenty years after the terrifying moment unfolded, it has left a lasting mark on the beloved funny woman.

Explaining how things unfolded to Ariana Grande on her Good Hang podcast, the pair had been discussing on-set bloopers when Poehler said the chimpanzee had been part of a sketch on the show, had taken hold of her wrist backstage, and refused to let go.

“One time I was doing a sketch where I think Jason Bateman was the host and there was a monkey in the sketch,” the Parks and Recreation star explained.

Expressing her discomfort at working with animals in general, Poehler continued: “I don’t like them. It’s too stressful for me. And it was a young chimpanzee.”

“I walked past the chimpanzee and it reached out and grabbed me by the wrist and wouldn’t let go in the middle of a quick change."

Sharing her rationale for why she thought it may have happened, Poehler added: “I think it was the blonde hair or my vibe. And I started screaming."

“And chimpanzees are very strong.I couldn’t get it to let go of me.”

Shocked by the anecdote, Ariana quickly enquired as to whether Poehler was okay, before conceding that it was probably more 'PTSD' than a blooper.

Ariana Grande was horrified by the story and expressed her concern for Amy (Good Hang podcast/YouTube)

The infamous ‘Monkeys Throwing Poop at Celebrities’ sketch has often proved to be a firm hit with fans, and featured a lively TV host, played by Jason Bateman, tricking Sean Connery (Darrell Hammond) into a live interview before he’s pelted with flying chimp poo.

Poehler appeared briefly towards the end of the sketch, yet even despite the brief appearance, it was enough to rile the chimpanzee.

Bateman himself also didn’t escape the chimp’s wrath either, as he later recalled how the monkey had also had a go at him during his 2020 return to SNL.

“We’re all hugging, we’re saying goodnight, the credits are rolling, and then the monkey tried to kill me,” he explained at the time. “Truly, I bent down to say, ‘Good job’ to the monkey. You know, bein’ nice. I’m a nice fella. But not the chimp.

“The chimp unhinges his jaw, he flashes the teeth, and he tries to bite my entire nose off.”