A moment of awkward humour unfolded on the Golden Globes red carpet when a risqué comment from a young actor sailed over the head of a veteran television host.
A Red Carpet Exchange Goes Awry
The incident occurred on Sunday evening outside the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, where 24-year-old actor Hudson Williams was being interviewed by 71-year-old CBS Mornings presenter Gayle King. The pair were discussing the buzz surrounding Williams and his Heated Rivalry co-star Connor Storrie's attendance at the prestigious ceremony.
King enthusiastically explained to Williams how excited fans were about their arrival, stating, "There's been buzz the whole night - I'm not exaggerating - it has been, 'They're coming! They're coming! They're coming! They're coming!'"
Seizing the opportunity for a double entendre, Williams smirked and replied, "Yeah, we do that a lot." The actor's cheeky reference to a sexual act was seemingly lost on King, who did not acknowledge the innuendo and simply continued with her line of questioning about the significance of the moment for him.
The Viral Aftermath and Show's Impact
A clip of the exchange was swiftly shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, where it went viral, leaving many fans of the show in hysterics at the missed joke. The series, Heated Rivalry, is adapted from novels by author Rachel Reid and focuses on a romantic rivalry between Canadian and Russian hockey players. It has become a major talking point in pop culture in both Canada and the United States.
Williams, who plays heartthrob Shane Hollander, recently revealed the show's impact extends beyond entertainment. Speaking to Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, he disclosed that multiple closeted professional athletes from hockey, basketball, and football have reached out to him and the author since the show's premiere.
"They're reaching out to Rachel, our author, who will then relay these lovely anonymous emails," Williams shared, adding that some contact him directly via Instagram. He noted these interactions highlight how the show, while celebratory and fun, sometimes "hit[s] people right in the nerves."
From Awkward Moment to Cultural Touchstone
The red carpet moment, while briefly uncomfortable, underscores the generational and cultural gap sometimes present in live television. It also highlights the fervent fanbase that has propelled Heated Rivalry into the spotlight. Williams described the overall Globes experience as initially overwhelming but ultimately gratifying, expressing thankfulness for the chance to meet idols and discuss his passion for acting.
The show's success and its unexpected role as a beacon for closeted athletes demonstrate its significant cultural resonance, proving that its influence stretches far beyond its six-episode first season and occasional red carpet humour.
