‘Golden Globes’ host Nikki Glaser is fearful of “death threats” over political jokes
Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser spoke on the red carpet ahead of the Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center on March 24th and admitted she’s fearful of receiving death threats over political jokes in the current political climate.
The annual Mark Twain Prize event was honouring Conan O’Brien, who recently hosted the Oscars, and celebrates a different American comedian each year. Previous comics that have been honoured in recent years include Adam Sandler, Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle.
Notably, O’Brien was announced as the honouree before President Donald Trump took control of the Kennedy Center which Glaser described as the “elephant in the room”.
Last month, a vote confirmed Trump’s involvement with the cultural institution. Since then, many artists such as Ben Folds and Shonda Rhymes have cut ties with the Kennedy Center. The hit Broadway musical Hamilton will also no longer be embarking on a residency at the venue in 2026.
According to Deadline, Glaser admitted on the red carpet before the Mark Twain Prize that she’s now worried whenever she makes political humour, noting, “Like, you just are scared that you’re gonna get doxxed and death threats or who knows where this leads, like, detained. Honestly that’s not even like a joke. It’s like a real fear.”
She continued: “So it’s unfortunate that that’s true, but I’m not gonna lie and say I don’t think about that sometimes and go, ‘Oh, god. Can I just say, I hope they all know, I can be up on the gallows and say I was just joking. I’m a comedian.’ I hope that that’s a defence.”
Earlier this month, it was confirmed Glaser would be returning as host of the Golden Globes in 2026 after making history by becoming the first woman to present the ceremony solo in January. Upon the announcement, she described this year’s event as “without a doubt the most fun I have ever had in my career”.
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