Jo Koy, the stand-up comedian who hosted the recent Golden Globe Awards, responded to criticism of his performance, acknowledging the challenges of hosting the event with minimal preparation. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times published on Thursday, Koy discussed the cold-read nature of his opening monologue and defended his approach.
Despite facing backlash on social media and mixed reviews, Koy gave himself an “A-plus” based on the courage it took to host the Golden Globes. He explained that the jokes were written up until the live broadcast, and he had no opportunity to rehearse or refine his material before going on stage. Koy emphasized that his intention was not to make excuses but to provide context for the spontaneous nature of the performance.
Reflecting on the decision to accept the hosting gig, Koy expressed satisfaction, stating, “I’m happy I did it because I did accept that challenge.” He highlighted the importance of being the first Asian solo host in the Golden Globes’ 81-year history, underlining the significance of diverse representation in the entertainment industry.
In response to criticism of specific jokes, Koy addressed a remark about Taylor Swift, clarifying that there was no ill intent behind the comment. The joke compared the camera shots of Swift at the Golden Globes to the NFL, with Koy asserting that the intention was to poke fun at the NFL, not Swift. He expressed admiration for Swift’s work and affirmed his support for her.
Koy also discussed a joke targeting Greta Gerwig’s film “Barbie,” describing it as a lighthearted comment. Despite the film’s stars, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, appearing less amused, Koy defended the humor, emphasizing that it was not a reflection of his views on women. He explained that his comedy often celebrates and praises women, and the jokes were meant to be taken in a lighthearted manner.
Addressing another remark about the limited preparation time for his monologue, Koy acknowledged it as a “rookie move” and clarified that it was not intended to criticize the writers. He praised the writers for their contributions and acknowledged that the comment was an unintentional misstep.
Overall, Koy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the Golden Globes and the positive aspects of his experience, particularly the milestone of being the first Asian solo host. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the live broadcast but remained proud of his performance and the cultural representation he brought to the event.
The interview provided insights into Jo Koy’s perspective on the Golden Globes hosting experience, shedding light on the spontaneity of the event, his intentions behind specific jokes, and his overall satisfaction with taking on the hosting challenge.