Hosting an awards ceremony show has always been an incredibly daunting task. Even famed comedians like Ricky Gervais, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, James Corden, and even Ellen DeGeneres and Andy Samberg still encounter difficulty in providing wit and humor while still sounding classy and apt for the occasion.
However, throwing out jokes in the air, especially with an esteemed crowd of industry figures and celebrities, should be handled with utmost care - but if you're someone as bold and brave as the others, then make sure to withstand the possible consequences of saying things on air.
Earlier this week, everyone's eyes were peeled as they watched the Hollywood Foreign Press Association hold the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Hosted by Emmy-winning comedian Jerrod Carmichael, the 2023 Golden Globes has been a talking point on social media up until now.
However, Carmichael's charm and wit might have entertained many; a particular joke of his did not sit well with a late famous music icon's estate.
During the evening, the host took a snipe on various celebrity issues, the Scientology drama, Will Smith's slapping, Tom Cruise's recent issues, and even the backlash that HFPA experienced in 2022, among many others.
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However, in one of his early bits, Carmichael welcomed everyone by describing the venue more darkly.
"So, we are here, live, from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton," Carmichael joked.
In February 2012, Whitney Houston was found unconscious in her hotel suite at Beverly Hilton. She was pronounced dead eventually. The 48-year-old music icon was expected to grace the pre-Grammys dinner, also held at the hotel.
While the joke seemed to have had others unleashing a small laugh, Whitney Houston's estate did not seem to have taken the joke lightly.
In a recent statement to TMZ, the estate had this to say: "The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste."
The outlet's sources also revealed that Carmichael's joke was not alerted to anyone behind the scenes prior. He was asked to give the venue a shout-out for cordially opening their doors for them.
As of this writing, Carmichael has not yet issued any statements concerning the backlash he has amassed since the now-viral moment.
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