Nikki Glaser, host of this year’s Golden Globe Awards, has faced criticism for a joke she made about rapper Diddy during her opening monologue. The comedian, who made history as the first woman to host the Globes in its 82-year history, received mixed reactions for her performance.
While Glaser received laughs for several light-hearted jokes about nominees like Timothée Chalamet and Adam Sandler, one comment did not go over well. After promising a relatively safe monologue, Glaser made a reference to the scandal involving music mogul Diddy, directed at actress Zendaya.
“Zendaya, you were incredible in Dune,” Glaser began, praising the star’s performance. “Oh my God, I woke up for all of your scenes. You were so good… and Challengers, girl? Oh my God! That movie was more sexually charged than Diddy’s credit card, I mean seriously.”
She continued, “I’m sorry, I’m upset too. The afterparty is not going to be as good this year, but we have to move on. I know a Stanley Tucci freak-off doesn’t have the same ring to it. No baby oil this year, just lots of olive oil.”
The joke, referencing an ongoing scandal involving Diddy, received an uncomfortable reaction from the A-list audience, with many viewers calling it “gross” and “crazy.” Diddy was arrested last year on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Federal prosecutors accused him and his associates of coercing women for his sexual desires, though he has denied the allegations. During a raid on his home, authorities recovered over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Many viewers took to social media to express their displeasure, with one writing, “That Diddy joke was gross,” and another adding, “Who in that writing room thought it was a good idea to include that Diddy joke? That was literally just disgusting.”
Glaser’s joke even drew advice from past host Ricky Gervais, who told her to “be herself” and not try to act like an “A-lister,” noting that her presence as a host was enough of an honor.
Glaser herself described hosting the Golden Globes as “truly a dream job” and expressed her hopes to carry on the tradition of memorable opening monologues, though she acknowledged the possibility of pushing boundaries that might not be well-received.
