The 2025 Golden Globe Awards had its share of glitz, glamour, and controversy, with host Nikki Glaser drawing sharp criticism for her edgy jokes during the event’s opening monologue. While the awards night aimed to celebrate the best in film and television, Glaser’s comedic approach veered into sensitive territory, leaving viewers and attendees divided.
Glaser’s Opening Monologue: Bold or Over the Line?
Known for her fearless comedic style, Nikki Glaser began her monologue with playful jabs at Hollywood’s elite. “I am not here to roast you tonight, and how could I? You are all so famous, so talented, so powerful,” she quipped, setting the tone for what would soon become one of the evening’s most polarizing moments.
Glaser’s jokes initially garnered some chuckles, especially when she referenced nominated films like Wicked, Queer, and Nightbitch. But the mood shifted dramatically when she brought up Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is embroiled in legal troubles. Combs, facing allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, was notably absent from the event, but his scandals became the focus of Glaser’s risqué humor.
The Diddy “Freak-Off” Joke
While riffing on Dune: Part Two and Zendaya’s performance, Glaser made a pointed joke referencing the infamous “freak-offs” detailed in lawsuits against Diddy. The term, linked to allegations made by Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in her $30 million lawsuit, describes disturbing parties allegedly orchestrated by the music mogul, involving drugs, alcohol, and coerced participation.
“That movie was more sexually charged than Diddy’s credit card,” Glaser joked, alluding to the alleged wild parties. She continued, “The afterparty isn’t going to be as good this year, but we have to move on. A Stanley Tucci freak-off doesn’t have the same ring to it. No baby oil this year — just lots of olive oil.”
The quip, while intended to elicit laughs, was met with visible discomfort from attendees and silence from much of the audience. Actor Stanley Tucci, mentioned in the joke, appeared visibly uneasy, further adding to the tension in the room.
Social Media Backlash
As the broadcast aired, social media erupted with reactions. Many viewers took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disapproval.
- “Um……. not the Diddy jokes? At the Golden Globes???” one user wrote.
- “The Diddy jokes are unnecessary,” commented another.
- “The way no one laughed at jokes about P. Diddy and oil,” one post read, highlighting the awkwardness of the moment.
Some defended Glaser, arguing that comedians should have the freedom to push boundaries, especially in a setting known for its playful roasts. However, the prevailing sentiment was that the jokes were in poor taste, given the gravity of the allegations against Combs.
A Growing Pattern of Award Show Controversy
The Golden Globes has long been a platform for memorable moments, but it has also faced its share of criticism over inappropriate jokes or
controversial remarks. Glaser’s monologue is the latest in a series of incidents where comedians have drawn ire for targeting sensitive topics during live broadcasts.
Critics of Glaser’s remarks argue that referencing an ongoing legal case involving allegations as severe as sex trafficking and abuse crossed a line. For many, the jokes felt like a trivialization of serious accusations and the trauma experienced by alleged victims.
What’s Next for Nikki Glaser?
Despite the backlash, Glaser has not issued a public statement regarding her monologue. Some industry insiders suggest that her jokes were an attempt to maintain the edgy humor the Golden Globes is known for, albeit one that misfired in the eyes of many.
Whether Glaser will address the controversy remains to be seen. In an era where public figures are increasingly held accountable for their words, the fallout from her performance may spark further conversations about the role of comedy in award shows and the line between humor and insensitivity.
The Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Glaser’s monologue also reignites debates about how the entertainment industry handles allegations against its stars. While some see humor as a way to critique and process such issues, others view it as dismissive and harmful.
For Sean “Diddy” Combs, who awaits trial this spring, the incident underscores the intense scrutiny he faces both legally and in the court of public opinion. The lawsuits and allegations have already cast a shadow over his legacy, and moments like these only amplify the public’s focus on the case.
A Divisive Moment in Golden Globes History
Ultimately, Nikki Glaser’s performance will be remembered as one of the most controversial in recent Golden Globes history. Whether it serves as a cautionary tale for future hosts or sparks deeper conversations about comedy, trauma, and accountability, one thing is certain: it has left an indelible mark on the 2025 awards season.
