The 2024 Golden Globes occurred earlier this month and a lot went down to say the least. Following the Golden Globes, the talk and heat have been on Jo Koy, this year’s host. He made multiple offensive jokes, which left the audience in silence with blank stares or giving a pity laugh, which I don’t believe some of the jokes deserved.
The word was that it was hard to find a host this year, and that many notable celebrities turned down the opportunity, leaving it to Jo Koy just ten days before the award show. Even though his time was limited, I don’t believe it entitles someone to make offensive jokes and am confused how people were okay with them. Since the Golden Globes, the world and internet have taken great offense, and rightfully so, bringing a quick end to the likeableness of his career. He had potential and could have made jokes without being sexist and insulting.
Barbie Joke
The most talked about joke, and Jo Koy’s biggest downfall, was the joke he made regarding Barbie. In his opening monologue, Koy introduced two of the biggest movies of the year, both of which came out the same day, known as Barbenheimer. He stated, “Oppenheimer is based on a 721-page Pulitzer Prize winning book about the Manhattan Project and Barbie is based on a plastic doll with big boobies.” Barbie, a movie which was so monumental for women everywhere and truly encompassed how hard it is to be a woman was summarized as being about “a plastic doll with big boobies.” He received some pity laughs but most of the audience gave judgmental looks, as they should have, most notably Ryan Gosling. He could have gone with so many different jokes comparing Barbie and Oppenheimer or solely about Barbie alone, but he made a sexist jab that insulted a movie that was impactful for so many people. It is the year 2024 and on live television an incredibly sexist joke was made. The world is mad about this joke, and I find it insulting too.
Taylor Swift Joke
Taylor Swift was the target for another joke made by Jo Koy. He stated, “The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? On the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift.” It cut directly to Taylor Swift who clearly did not find it amusing. While most of the internet is on her side, there are people who think Taylor Swift was being dramatic with her reaction. Clearly they forgot one of the biggest award show moments a couple years ago involving Chris Rock and Will Smith, which got violent.
Her reaction was completely understandable as she just had a joke made about her that was not funny but rather offensive as he jabbed at her personal life and relationship. Taylor Swift has commented on how she feels regarding Travis Kelce’s games in previous interviews. She has made it clear that she is not there to be shown on camera and doesn’t even pay attention to when she is being shown. She is simply there to support Travis Kelce and cannot help it that they show her. Whether or not some people think the joke was funny or true, he shouldn’t have joked about her personal life and situations she has stated offend her before.