Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscars hosting was called a “national embarrassment.”
Jimmy Kimmel was called a “national embarrassment” after hosting the Oscars.
The TV host hosted the 95th Academy Awards a year after Chris Rock’s controversial performance.
Yet, Malala Yousafzai’s “heroic” response to Kimmel’s Harry Styles joke may make his visit infamous.
The female activist attended the Oscars as an executive producer for Stranger at the Gate, a Best Documentary Short Film nominee.
Kimmel performed several comic segments in the audience during a break, as is typical of award events.
He
Jimmy Kimmel awkwardly interviewed Malala Yousafzai. ABC Credit Jimmy Kimmel awkwardly interviewed Malala Yousafzai. ABC Credit
As Kimmel pretended to ask “Joanne” a question from home, things got awkward.
“Your work on human rights and education for women and children is inspiring,” Kimmel said.
As the youngest Nobel laureate, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?”
The crowd laughed at the inappropriate jokes, making Yousafzai uneasy.
“I simply talk peace,” she said.
Kimmel replied, “You know what, that’s why you’re Malala and nobody else is. Malala, you answered well. Everyone wins Malala-land.”
The prank referenced Harry Styles’ spit at Chris Pine at the Don’t Worry Darling film launch last year, which went viral.
Malala Yousafzai’s host answer was lauded. ABC Credit Malala Yousafzai’s host answer was lauded. ABC Credit
Later, the activist tweeted the Oscars clip, adding, “Treat people with kindness.”
One
“Not a good question, but eloquently addressed by Malala,” said another.
Third, “Comedians getting embarrassed at the Oscars is starting to become a trend.”
A fourth said, “Utterly rude and patronising behaviour towards her and her work. The Smith Slap cringed me too.”
On March 9, Kimmel surprised viewers with a joke about actor Robert Blake, who died.
He continued, “Everyone please get out their phones, even at home, it’s time to vote. Text Imea Blake to the number on your screen if you want Robert Blake in the In Memoriam montage.
Many considered the joke “bad taste” and “uncalled for”.
UNILAD contacted Jimmy Kimmel’s representatives for comment.