Golden Globes host Jerrod Carmichael shocked the crowd with a Scientology joke about Tom Cruise.
The comedian addressed the fact that, in 2022, Cruise returned his previously won Golden Globe trophies amid a boycott of the awards’ organisers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
The controversy followed an exposé into the lack of diversity within the HFPA, and a separate ethics scandal.
Carmichael returned to the stage midway through the ceremony, and quipped: “Backstage, I found these three Golden Globe awards that Tom Cruise returned. I think maybe we take these three things and exchange them for the safe return of Shelly Miscavige.”
Miscavige is a member of the Church of Scientology, and is married to its leader David Miscavige. Cruise is a known Scientologist, and has been a member for 30 years.
Carmichael made the joke just before introducing Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick co-stars Glen Powell and Jay Ellis to the stage.
Zach Heltzel wrote on Twitter: “Jerrod making a Shelly Miscavige joke before introducing cast members from Top Gun…we love to see it,” while SlateCulture’s Sam Aadams added: “Lol Jerrod making a Shelly Miscavige joke to utter silence before introducing two actors from TOP GUN MAVERICK.”
Meanwhile,@catherinebouris added: “OK jerrod carmichael gets kudos from me for mentioning shelly miscavige right before introducing two of the top gun guys.”
Find live updates from the Golden Globes here and the updated list of winners as they’re announced here.
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