Event

Jo Koy Calls Out Hollywood and Royals in Golden Globe Monologue

Published January 8, 2024

Jo Koy, a stand-up comedian known for his Netflix specials, hosted the Golden Globes and used his opening speech to joke about the Royal Family and the attendees, trying to spark laughter with woke commentary. However, his humor did not gain the intended reaction, with his jabs sometimes causing discomfort rather than amusement.

Jo Koy's Monologue Highlights

The opening monologue by Jo Koy started by acknowledging the TV show 'Succession,' which captures the complexities of a billionaire family. However, he then compared this premise to 'The Crown,' humorously confusing the two as both portray wealthy, white, dysfunctional family dynamics.

Koy continued his routine by making a pointed joke about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's lucrative Netflix deal, which garnered a laugh from Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. He also touched upon Martin Scorsese's film 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' using it to highlight the historical wrongdoing by white people - a joke that seemed to split the room.

Reactions to Jo Koy's Performance

Jo Koy received mixed reactions throughout his performance, where attempts at woke humor met with both chuckles and groans. Addressing the audience, he set expectations by mentioning his short notice preparation for the hosting gig.

The Golden Globes, still recovering from recent controversy and boycotts due to lacking diversity in its voting body, have attempted reform. The organization has now increased its diversity to 60% of its 300 voting members. New members hail from all over the globe, contributing to a more inclusive awarding process. Despite the efforts, the award show has struggled with viewership, with the latest telecast having a significantly lower audience compared to its peak numbers.

As Hollywood continues to confront its diversity and inclusivity challenges, Jo Koy's humor at the Golden Globes, whether it landed or not, was a reflection of the ongoing conversations surrounding these issues.

humor, controversy, monologue