Conan O’Brien references Epstein files in opening Oscars monologue: ‘At least the UK arrest paedophiles’
Conan O’Brien addressed one of the elephants in the room at the Oscars by referencing the recent controversies regarding Jeffrey Epstein.
O’Brien may not have been as scathing in his opening monologue as more controversial Academy Awards hosts like Seth MacFarlane or Chris Rock, but he landed one zinger during his introduction that inspired some uncomfortable laughter.
“Tonight is the first time since 2012 that there is no British actor nominated in the ‘Best Actor’ or ‘Best Actress’ categories,” O’Brien said. “A British spokesperson said, ‘Yeah, well at least we arrest our paedophiles.'”
The reference is to the ongoing leaks of files relating to the Jeffrey Epstein case, which has become a hot-button topic among media pundits. While there has been traction in the United Kingdom case against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has since had his royal title revoked, there have not been any major arrests of American figures related to the case.
O’Brien’s acknowledgement came after an unusually tame Bafta Awards, in which the case was not referenced in a significant way by host Alan Cumming. However, one awkward moment in the broadcast occurred due to a joke made by presenter Rebel Wilson, which was made particularly uncomfortable due to the presence of Prince William and Kate at the ceremony.
While the jab at American celebrities was a high note, O’Brien’s strong opening monologue is another indication of his strength as an Oscars host, following his acclaimed performance at the previous year’s ceremony. O’Brien’s hosting style is distinct in comparison to that of his predecessor, Jimmy Kimmel; the difference is that O’Brien is a noted film buff, and even co-starred in last year’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, for which Rose Byrne received a nomination for ‘Best Actress’.
O’Brien has been one of the most popular talk show hosts in America since the ‘90s, but officially ended his TBS show Conan in 2021. O’Brien currently hosts the popular podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, and has also starred in the HBO Max series Conan O’Brien Must Go.
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