BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Amidst the ongoing social media criticism directed at Jo Koy, notable Hollywood figures such as Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, Howard Stern, and Kevin Hart have stepped forward to support the stand-up comedian. Jo Koy faced backlash for his role as the host of the 2024 Golden Globes.

But certainly, and considered one of the highlights, the 2024 Golden Globes will be remembered for comedian Jo Koy’s viral joke, which stirred a mix of reactions on social media. 

He actually made history as the first Filipino-American to host the Golden Globe Awards this year, despite lack of preparations for only 10 days. It appeared that multi-Grammy award-winning American singer and songwriter Taylor Swift was annoyed by the joke made by the Filipino-American comedian.

Jo Koy asked the audience what the difference was between the mentioned awarding ceremony and the National Football League. “The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? At the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift,” he said.

After saying this, the camera immediately focused on Taylor Swift, revealing the singer’s reaction that seemed displeased or unhappy while sipping her drink.  “I’m sorry about that,” Jo Koy quickly said after seeing the facial expression of the award-winning singer.

Because of this, Jo Koy received a barrage of criticism from netizens due to the mentioned joke, especially from Swifties. In a social media post, Jo Koy mentioned that he simply follows the punchlines written in the script by his scriptwriter.

On Monday’s episode of ABC’s “GMA3,” Koy admitted that he would not be truthful if he claimed that the criticism doesn’t hurt. “It’s a tough room. And it was a hard job, I’m not going to lie,” said Koy, who had just 10 days to prepare before the awarding ceremony. 

“Getting that gig, and then having the amount of time that we had to prepare, that was a crash course.”Jo Koy, facing challenges, received support from American comedian Steve Martin following the recent contentious Golden Globes ceremony.

“I tip my hat to anyone who steps out on stage to host a live awards show. It’s a very difficult job and not for the squeamish. I know because I’m still throwing up from the last time I did it in 2010,”  Steve stated on his Threads.

He was then the host of the Academy Awards in 2001 and 2003, the first black woman who was asked to this hosting stint. Actress Whoopi Golberg who hosted Tony Awards and Academy Awards also gave her defense against Jo Koy’s detractors. “Hosting gigs are brutal,” she said on the TV show “The View” last January 9, 2024.

She stated, “They are just brutal. If you don’t know the room, if you’ve not been in these rooms before and you’re sort of thrust out there, it’s hit or miss.” “I don’t know whether it was the room, I don’t know whether it was the jokes, I didn’t get to see it. “But I do know that he is as good as it gets when it comes to stand-ups and it is not an easy gig.”

On his widely followed Sirius XM show, Howard Stern discussed the matter, expressing sympathy for the comedian. Stern emphasized that he felt sorry for the comic, particularly because he had only a 10-day preparation period before the event. 

Stern also revealed that other well-known comedians, including Chris Rock, had declined hosting responsibilities. Interestingly, Koy shared with Los Angeles that Chris Rock had given him advice on the hosting role when he initially accepted it.

He said, “Nobody wanted to host this thing. Finally, people are getting smart. Those shows are fucking hard to do.” 

“10 days? You’re doomed! Telling those jokes to a bunch of people who don’t wanna be laughed at is the biggest bummer in the world, ” Stern added. “Hollywood has no sense of humor about itself. Comedians are supposed to be funny. And the only way to be funny is to be cynical. So why would you want to go to an event where you can’t be cynical?”

Comedian Kevin Hart joined Howard Stern in supporting Jo Koy. He said, “[Koy’s an] amazing comedian. Always has been. Sells out arenas all over.”

“It’s a tough room. Without the knowledge and understanding of how to navigate in that room, you can have some moments. Jo is fine. People want to highlight the bad but there is a world of good behind it. He is good and always has been. I love Jo. I’m fine with Jo. He’s made it this far, he’ll make it after.”

Filipino Personalities in the Philippines who defended Jo Koy

Due to Jo Koy being of half-Filipino descent, Filipino netizens are actively engaged in both criticism and defense, showing a strong involvement in the discussion. Several personalities also defended Jo Koy, such as showbiz insider and talent manager Ogie Diaz.

It can be read on his Facebook post on January 9, “Dahil maraming pumuna sa monologue ni Jo Koy sa nakaraang Golden Globes, andami na ring sumakay. Lalo na siyempre yung di ‘maarok’ ang brand of comedy ni Jo Koy na may halo ring satire. 

Pinanood ko, okay naman sa akin. Pipikunin ka lang talaga ng joke ni Jo Koy, pero dapat bang seryosohin eh joke nga yon? 

Ang joke naman ay naghihintay ng reaksyon mo eh. Kung matatawa ka. O makokornihan ka. O mao-offend ka. At depende pa sa joker kung paninindigan niya ang mga joke niya o hihingi siya ng apology sa mga stars na na-offend kung aaminin nila. 

Sa palagay nyo kaya, kung hindi si Jo Koy ang nag-host ng awards night, ganun pa rin kaya kaingay ang episode na yon ng Golden Globes? Tinapos agad nung iba ang career ni Jo Koy, ang kokorni n’yo, huh!”

Even the senator-actor Sen. Robin Padilla defended Jo Koy.

He said on his Facebook post on January 9, “Mabuhay ka maestro jokoy. Hindi sa lahat ng panahon ay tayong mga Pilipino ang ginagawang katatawanan. Saludo ako sa iyo. Walang lahi. Walang kulay. Pantay pantay lang tayo sa mundong ito. Walang superior.”

He continued on and said, “Walang inferior. Lalo sa mga jokes. Pinoy ang nailagay na host. Wag maging sensitibo ang mga puti sa sarili nilang style ng jokes. Bato bato sa langit tamaan wag magalit. It’s a joke. Lalo ka Lang pinasikat jokoy ng mga bashers mo. More power pinoy heavy weight!!”

The question now is, will this incident significantly impact Jo Koy’s career in America? Hopefully not. What are your thoughts about it?

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from The Guardian