Comedian Nikki Glaser is set to return as the solo host of the Golden Globes in 2025, a role she first took on last year to widespread acclaim. Her previous explosive opening monologue, which fearlessly roasted figures like Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Donald Trump, left Hollywood and viewers reeling. As anticipation builds for her second stint, the spotlight turns to the controversies that have defined her career.
The Infamous Golden Globes Monologue
In 2024, Nikki Glaser made history as the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo. She immediately set the tone by dubbing the ceremony "Ozempic's biggest night." Her jokes were unflinching, including a pointed remark about Diddy's alleged parties, saying the film Challengers was "more sexually charged than Diddy's credit card." She also referenced the viral claims about 1,000 bottles of baby oil.
Glaser didn't shy away from politics either, joking about Donald Trump's presidential election victory despite Hollywood's support for Kamala Harris. Another target was Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with a quip about the contents of his freezer. Reflecting on the experience, Glaser called it "the most fun I have ever had in my career."
Controversial Remarks and Public Backlash
Glaser's penchant for boundary-pushing humour has sparked several public scandals. Her November 2024 Saturday Night Live monologue drew intense criticism for jokes that appeared to make light of serious topics including sex trafficking and paedophilia. She referenced Jeffrey Epstein and joked about showering with her young nephew, leading to immediate backlash from viewers who felt the material went too far.
Her conflicts extend beyond the stage. In 2020, she was forced to publicly apologise to Taylor Swift after body-shaming comments in the singer's Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, were aired. Swift surprisingly accepted the apology, sending Glaser a "massive hug." However, in 2024, Glaser again faced fury from Swift's fans after she viciously criticised a concertgoer at an Eras Tour show on her podcast, branding the woman a "gutter punk bitch." The woman later identified herself and accused Glaser of bullying.
Regrets and Future Intentions
Despite her bold persona, Glaser has expressed some regret. After the Netflix Roast of Tom Brady in May 2024, where she made jokes about his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, she stated she would apologise to Bündchen if they ever met. She also acknowledged the delicate balance of her Golden Globes role, telling CBS Mornings she aims to give viewers "something to laugh at" without "ruin[ing] anyone's night."
Interestingly, she has noted that jokes about certain icons, like Julia Roberts, are met with immediate disapproval from test audiences. "You cannot make fun of America's sweetheart," Glaser admitted, revealing she is meticulously fine-tuning any material about Roberts. As for her approach to pre-approving jokes with celebrities, Glaser quipped, "I would rather ask for forgiveness later at the after party when they're drunk."
As the 2025 ceremony approaches, the industry waits with bated breath to see which boundaries Nikki Glaser will push next, solidifying her reputation as one of the most audacious and talked-about hosts in modern entertainment.
