In a night of glitz and glamour at the 97th Oscars, former late-night host Conan O’Brien found himself at the center of controversy following a provocative joke that referenced the ongoing feud between rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake. During the ceremony, O’Brien quipped, “Well, we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile. Don’t worry, I’m lawyered up.” While the joke elicited a significant reaction from the audience, it has sparked a fierce backlash on social media, particularly among Drake’s fans.

The joke’s polarizing nature was highlighted when Skyler Higley, one of the writers for the Oscars, took to social media to share the backstory behind it. Higley claimed to have wagered $50 with the show’s executive producer, asserting that the joke would land well. Following the ceremony, he expressed his surprise and excitement over the audience’s reaction, further fueling the conversation on social media.

Despite the laughter it garnered, many fans felt O’Brien’s joke crossed a line. Critics voiced their outrage online, with some arguing that it amounted to defamation against Drake, who has never faced any such accusations. Notable figures in the music commentary space, including DJ Akademiks, drew comparisons to historical injustices, referencing the tragic case of Emmett Till, who was lynched following false accusations. Akademiks emphasized the severity of O’Brien’s words, arguing that they perpetuated harmful narratives about Black men in the entertainment industry.

Responses varied widely across platforms. Some users labeled the joke as “whack,” calling it inappropriate to joke about serious allegations without any basis. Others expressed concern for Drake’s mental state, suggesting that public figures should not be subjected to such unfounded ridicule. “Drake fans pray for that man,” one user wrote, emphasizing the emotional toll that public scrutiny can have.

Complicating the discourse, some social media users questioned the double standard in reactions to such jokes. They pointed out that while many condemned O’Brien’s comments, they had previously laughed at jokes made by other comedians, like Andrew Schultz, even when those jokes targeted Kendrick Lamar. This inconsistency led to discussions about the nuances of humor, race, and societal expectations in comedy.

As the dust settles from this year’s Oscars, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between comedy, celebrity culture, and social responsibility. The backlash against Conan O’Brien’s joke underscores the sensitivities surrounding humor that touches on serious subjects, particularly in an era where public figures are often placed under intense scrutiny.

In light of the reactions, the conversation continues on social media, with fans and commentators alike debating the appropriateness of O’Brien’s humor and what it reveals about societal attitudes towards race and accountability in comedy. As discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape the narrative around jokes in the entertainment industry moving forward.