The 80th Golden Globe awards ceremony was marked by a powerful, jaw-dropping, and hilarious opening monologue from its host, Jerrod Carmichael.
The comedian used his platform to address the recent racism scandal that plagued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which runs the Golden Globe awards.
Carmichael, 35, opened his monologue on Tuesday night with the statement, “I’ll tell you why I’m here. I’m here because I’m Black,” a bold and unapologetic statement that set the tone for the rest of the night.
“This show, the Golden Globe Awards, did not air last year because the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — which I won’t say were a racist organization, but they didn’t have a single Black member until George Floyd died. So do with that information what you will.”
He jokingly recalled how he got the gig and how much it supposedly paid.
“One minute you’re making mint tea at home, the next you’re invited to be the Black face of the embattled White organization. Life really comes extra fast, you know?”
“I did what I do when I have a moral, racial dilemma. I call the homegirl Avery, who, for the sake of this monologue, represents every Black person in America…And she was like, ‘Well, how much are they paying you?… and I said, ‘$500,000.’ And she said, ‘Boy if you don’t put on a good suit and take the white people’s money.’ “
Related Story: Jerrod Carmichael Shares How Coming Out Has Affected His Relationship With His Mother
Of course, social media had to chime in with reactions from the event, many congratulating Carmichael for poking fun and disrupting the peace.
When you mesh ZERO FUCs and living in your truth you get Jerrod. Make them feel uncomfortable.????? #jerrodcarmichael #GoldenGlobes2023 pic.twitter.com/7rjqMC1ojl
— In-real-life-I’m-a-twin?
(@nique_smoov) January 11, 2023
From what I’ve seen, the respectable negros are not feeling Jerrod Carmichael AT ALL tonight…
…which only reaffirms that he thoroughly understood the assignment lol
— Bare(back) Necessities (@angryblkhoemo) January 11, 2023
lord grant me the ability to give as few fucks as Jerrod Carmichael
— Chris Murphy (@christress) January 11, 2023
Jerrod Carmichael had the audience so shook they were looking at each other like do we laugh pic.twitter.com/HYbLjwTNiD https://t.co/GUYx18oc0P
— I have so many questions? (@english_shamar) January 11, 2023
I just hope non Black folk realize we do not care if you ain’t find Jerrod Carmichael funny ..
— Therapy & Reparations (@MrGRichardson) January 11, 2023
Jerrod Carmichael right after that check cleared #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/n9TK5V1xTo
— Bossip (@Bossip) January 11, 2023
Jokes aside, it is clear that Carmichael’s monologue at the Golden Globe Awards was a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about racism, representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
