Jack Whitehall Criticized for Diddy Joke at BRIT Awards

Jack Whitehall is under fire after making an insensitive joke about Sean 'Diddy' Combs while hosting the BRIT Awards 2025 on Saturday night at London's O2 Arena, which was broadcast live on ITV.

During the ceremony, Jack made a controversial remark following JADE's performance, referencing Diddy’s infamous 'white party.' This comment shocked many viewers who found it deeply inappropriate, especially given the current headlines surrounding the rapper.

Many fans expressed their outrage on social media, with comments like, 'Diddy & Kanye jokes??? What is wrong with Jack? So unfunny #BRITs2025;' and others stating, 'Jack making a Diddy joke? I can't... I hate him maybe;'

Another viewer added, 'Diddy joke? Stop booking Jack Whitehall for things PLEASE it's not 2013 anymore #BRITs2025.'

The backlash is partly due to ongoing serious legal issues for Diddy, who is facing sex trafficking charges. The trial is set to begin in May, with one alleged victim claiming to have been present at his 1998 white party, making the timing of Whitehall's joke particularly ill-considered.

Comments from viewers included, 'Jack Whitehall, how dare you mention Diddy in the same sentence as Jade #BRITs2025 #BRITs;' and others noted, 'That incredible performance by Jade was quickly ruined by Jack Whitehall joking about P Diddy #BRITs.'

Despite his usual comedic bravado, many felt that his joke on Diddy was both tasteless and tone-deaf, leading to a significant portion of the audience feeling uncomfortable.

Jack Whitehall opened the show by mingling with the audience and making light-hearted jabs at various celebrities, including YouTuber KSI, whom he compared to renowned physicist Stephen Hawking judging a dance show. Although he has had a history of hosting the BRIT Awards, this year's comments did not resonate well with the audience.

Roasting Celebrity Attendees

Throughout the evening, Whitehall aimed some quick-witted remarks at several attendees, including Simon Cowell and Stormzy. Jack joked about Cowell's changing appearance, particularly poking fun at his use of Botox, while also making comments about Stormzy's partnership with McDonald's, playfully referring to him as 'the grime scene's Ronald McDonald.'

Additionally, he addressed KSI's music career and his recent nomination for Song of the Year at the BRITs. His jokes received mixed reactions, with some finding them amusing and others feeling they were out of place.

Jack's hosting style has often involved roasts of celebrity guests, but the negative response to the Diddy joke has overshadowed some of the more light-hearted banter he attempted to create during the event.

Conclusion

Jack Whitehall's humor can be hit or miss, and tonight's performance at the BRIT Awards left him facing a significant backlash due to a comment that many viewers found offensive. Whether it was a miscalculation or a stark oversight, the fallout from his joke on Diddy is clear, leaving many questioning the appropriateness of humor in sensitive contexts.

Jack, Whitehall, Diddy