Glaser drew gasps from the crowd
Comedian Nikki Glaser took center stage as the host of the 82nd Annual Golden Globes on January 5, 2025, delivering a bold and provocative monologue that left the audience both laughing and gasping. Glaser’s performance was far from tame, with one particularly controversial moment involving a reference to Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently embroiled in legal battles over federal charges of human trafficking and racketeering. The allegations against Combs include hosting coercive “freak-off” parties, making him a target of Glaser’s biting humor.
In addressing actress Zendaya, Glaser quipped:
“Zendaya, you were incredible in Dune, oh my God, I woke up for all of your scenes. You were so good. And Challengers, girl? Oh my God! That movie was more sexually charged than Diddy’s credit card, I mean, seriously.”
The audience responded audibly, with a mix of groans and laughter filling the room. Not one to shy away from the edge, Glaser doubled down with her follow-up:
“I’m sorry, I’m upset too. The afterparty is not going to be as good this year, but we have to move on. I know a ‘Stanley Tucci freak-off’ doesn’t have the same ring to it. No baby oil this year, just lots of olive oil.”
This series of jokes alluded to reports that, during a raid on Combs’ home, authorities uncovered over 1,000 bottles of baby oil, allegedly tied to the controversial “freak-off” parties mentioned in the charges. Glaser’s joke didn’t merely poke fun at Combs but tapped into the broader spectacle surrounding the legal case, a topic that many found sensitive.
The backlash online was swift and divided. Some viewers criticized the joke as distasteful and inappropriate, particularly given the gravity of the allegations against Combs. One commenter remarked, “Who in that writing room thought it was a good idea to include that Diddy joke? That was literally just disgusting.” Another wrote, “Diddy jokes are never funny.”
However, others found Glaser’s humor to be sharp and effective, praising her ability to toe the line between edgy and engaging. One fan tweeted, “Nikki Glaser devoured and left no crumbs with that opening monologue.” Another lauded her performance: “Incredible presence, perfect pacing, knows how to roast people and be tongue-in-cheek without being obnoxious and offensive.”
Glaser’s hosting tenure comes after a tumultuous Golden Globes history, with the previous year’s host, Jo Koy, drawing widespread criticism for jokes that fell flat and were met with boos. The decision to bring in Glaser this year was a gamble, one that largely paid off for the ceremony’s organizers. Known for her roast-style comedy, Glaser was no stranger to navigating controversy, but her Golden Globes debut was undeniably her most high-profile hosting gig to date.
Preparing for the monumental task, Glaser reportedly spared no effort. She assembled two dedicated writers’ rooms and conducted more than 90 test runs of her monologue to ensure her material hit the mark. This extensive preparation speaks to her commitment to delivering a memorable performance, even if some jokes would inevitably push boundaries.
Her decision to include the Diddy joke highlights Glaser’s comedic philosophy: take risks and spark conversation. While she knew the joke might not land well with everyone, she chose to prioritize impact over complete safety. For many, this risk paid off, as it added a layer of unpredictability and edge to the evening, qualities often missing from highly polished awards shows.
Despite the mixed reactions to the Diddy quip, Glaser’s overall performance received largely positive reviews. Many praised her ability to strike a delicate balance, injecting humor into the event without descending into outright offensiveness. Her tone marked a departure from previous hosts, blending wit and warmth in a way that resonated with both the audience in the room and viewers at home.
One fan summed up the general sentiment: “Nikki Glaser kind of absolutely annihilated her monologue. Incredible presence, perfect pacing, and she knows how to push the line without crossing it.”
In the end, whether you loved or loathed her jokes, one thing is certain: Nikki Glaser made the 2025 Golden Globes a night to remember. Her sharp wit, bold humor, and fearless approach ensured that the ceremony stood out, sparking conversation long after the final award was handed out. While not everyone agreed with her choices, Glaser undeniably left her mark, proving that comedy at its best can provoke, entertain, and push boundaries all at once.