Golden Globes host slammed for Whitney Houston joke: ‘Not good’

Golden Globes host Jerrod Carmichael has come under fire for a joke he made about late singer Whitney Houston.

The comedian made his debut as a presenter during Tuesday’s ceremony, where he didn’t shy away from controversial jokes. He has speared recent anti-Semitic statements by Kanye West, Scientology, and even recent controversies by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).

Some viewers at home thought he had crossed the line.

Coming back from a commercial, Carmichael said the show ran long, but producers wanted him to stride to where the ceremony was taking place.

“I’m from the Beverly Hills Hotel, the hotel that killed Whitney Houston,” Carmichael joked to a shocked audience.

Fans took to Twitter to express their dismay.

“Okay, that Whitney Houston joke was… oops. Not good.” tweeted a viewer.

Other added: “I didn’t like that Whitney Houston joke at all. It was so disrespectful and disrespectful to her.”

And a third wrote: “‘the hotel that killed Whitney Houston’?? Please don’t ever hire that guy again. Terrible host.”

Houston accidentally drowned in a bathtub at the notorious hotel in 2012 at the age of just 48.

The coroner ruled that heart disease and cocaine contributed to her death.

In his opening monologue, Carmichael addressed the controversy the HFPA has faced in recent years. The HFPA consists of journalists who vote for and host the awards.

“I’m here because I’m black, I’m going to catch up with everyone in the room,” he began, before explaining the controversy surrounding the HFPA’s issues with diversity.

“I won’t say they were a racist organization but they didn’t have a single black member until George Floyd died, do what you will with this information,” the comedian continued.

The HFPA has had no black journalists among its 87 members, representing 55 nations, since 2002, when former federation president and board chairman Meher Tatna joined.

The 2022 ceremony was not aired after much of Hollywood voted to boycott the event over the HFPA’s issue of diversity, racism and alleged corruption.

Many in Hollywood including PR firms, streaming services, and studios wrote to the HFPA asking it to implement reforms.

Tom Cruise even returned his three Golden Globe Awards in 2021 over the controversy.

Carmichael didn’t miss the gesture during the ceremony.

The comedian came on stage with three Golden Globe Awards and said he found them backstage and it was the three awards that Cruise returned.

He then referred to the controversial religion of Scientology, of which Cruise is the most famous member.

“I’m only hosting for a short time, whatever, but I have a good idea, I think maybe you’ll take these three things and trade them for the safe return of Shelly Miscavige,” he joked when the crowd responded with shocked gasps .

This joke, like Whitney Houston’s, drew mixed reactions.