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Whitney Houston’s estate is 'disappointed' by a joke Jerrod Carmichael told at the 2023 Golden Globes.
TMZ reported that the long-time manager and sister-in-law of the legendary singer, Pat Houston, has taken issue with one of the punchlines the comedian muttered at the awards ceremony yesterday (January 11).
For those of you who missed it, after coming back from a commercial break, the host told the audience: “We are pressed for time but they wanted me to shout out the venue that we're in.
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"So we are here live from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton, you guys, so that's very exciting.”
The comment left the room divided, with many laughing while some audibly groaned.
According to TMZ, a representative for the singer said: "The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste."
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In Carmichael's opening monologue, the comedian also addressed the troubled past of the Golden Globes.
Carmichael took aim at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which faced intense scrutiny last year after the Los Angeles Times reported the organization had no Black members.
As a result, NBC opted not to televise the award show in 2022, with the HFPA announcing they would commit themselves to improving the organization's diversity.
As per NBC News, HFPA President Helen Hoehne issued a statement in the wake of the mounting criticism, which said: “We commit to continue strengthening our partnership with Hollywood and with the worldwide fans who celebrate the best on film and television.
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"We will continue to support groups that amplify a variety of voices and continue to add representation to our organization from around the world as we did this past year."
But Carmichael was quick to address the elephant in the room.
He opened: "I'll tell you why I'm here. I'm here because I'm Black.”
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He added: "I’ll catch everyone in the room. The Golden Globe Awards did not air last year because the HFPA — which, I won’t say they 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."
Upon accepting his duties as host, he told the audience: "I was like, ‘Whoa.’ One minute you’re making mint tea at home, and next you’re invited to be the Black face of an embattled white organization.
"Life comes at you fast!'"
Charisa Bossinakis