Nikki Glaser Opens Up About Her Riskiest Golden Globes Joke and Why She Hesitated
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Nikki Glaser, the host of the 2026 Golden Globes, recently shared insights into the joke she was most apprehensive about delivering during her opening monologue. Known for her sharp wit and fearless humor, Glaser admitted on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show that a particular quip about Sean Penn had her nervous enough to seek approval from mutual acquaintances before going on stage.
During the ceremony, Glaser compared Penn to a “sexy leather handbag,” a line that she feared might not land well if Penn reacted negatively. “I thought: ‘What is it gonna do in the room? If he makes a face, everyone in the room is not gonna laugh even if it is funny,’” Glaser explained. Instead of approaching Penn directly, she confided in comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who reassured her that Penn was unlikely to be offended, noting, “That guy’s not vain. This isn’t gonna hurt his feelings.”
Glaser went further to clarify her perspective on the joke’s nature, acknowledging the gender dynamics involved. “Would you say that joke about a woman? No. If someone said that about me, I would be devastated,” she admitted. “But it’s different for men, and I was OK with doing that joke because I am attracted to him.” This candid admission highlights the nuanced considerations comedians face when crafting humor about public figures.
The risk paid off as Penn was seen laughing along with the joke during the live broadcast. Glaser also noted that she sought confirmation from David Spade, another mutual acquaintance, who gave the green light. “Once I get past that, I’ll be OK,” she said, reflecting on the pressure surrounding that moment.
Her monologue didn’t stop there. Glaser also delivered a controversial joke about Penn’s philanthropic efforts and personal struggles, saying, “Sean Penn will actually go to the places in the world that need help the most, and he will do cocaine there. And I feel like we don’t celebrate that enough.” She followed up with a tongue-in-cheek comment about having permission from Penn’s “two best friends,” Charlie Sheen and El Chapo.
Glaser’s approach to comedy at the Golden Globes was unapologetically bold, targeting a wide range of celebrities and moments from Hollywood. While some jokes were cut before the show, including a jab at Sydney Sweeney’s recent box office performance, the ones that made it to air sparked both laughter and conversation.
Her candid reflections on the joke about Penn offer a rare glimpse into the balancing act comedians perform between humor and respect, especially on such a prominent stage. For more about the Golden Globes and entertainment industry standards, visit the FilmLA website or the Library of Congress Hollywood Film Archives.
As the entertainment world continues to evolve, Glaser’s experience underscores the ongoing dialogue about comedy, celebrity, and cultural sensitivity. For updates on media and entertainment news, the Federal Communications Commission provides regulatory insights and guidelines.
Glaser’s performance and reflections remind audiences that behind every joke lies careful consideration, especially when navigating the complex landscape of celebrity culture and public perception.
Leave a Reply