Golden Globes 2023: The provocation of the host, Jerrod Carmichael, to Tom Cruise and Scientology

The presenter of the Golden Globes 2023, Jerrod Carmichael, took to the stage with the alleged three statuettes returned by Tom Cruise in protest against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which fell out of favor after a series of controversies that led to the 2021 ceremony not being televised.

The Golden Globe award controversy that led to the gala being suspended has come since accusation of lack of diversity between the organization and the contractors, as well as rumors of corruption questioning it. Hollywood decided to boycott the HFPA, which is in charge of organizing the awards, in protest of the changes. Among the performances by chains and members of the scene, Tom Cruise stood out, returning the three awards he had won throughout his career.

Appearing with Cruise’s awards, Carmichael said: “I found backstage these three Golden Globes that Tom Cruise returned. I’m just a temporary emcee or whatever, but I have an idea. Maybe we could take these three awards and trade them for the sure return of Shelly Miscavige.”. By that, the comedian was referring to the wife of Scientologist David Miscavige, who hasn’t appeared in public in many years. As everyone knows, Cruise, who was not in attendance despite his ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ nominations, is one of the main visible faces of Scientology, an aspect of his life that has often been roundly criticized.

“If I’m here it’s because I’m black”

Carmichael not only referenced the controversy with Cruise’s three awards, but also in his monologue, He claimed that if he was there yesterday it was because he was black. He did a little tour of the HFPA’s recent history, noting the absence of black members: “I’m not saying it’s a racist organization, but I haven’t seen any black members since George Floyd’s death”.

After revealing that he was paid $500,000 for the job, he admitted that producer Stephen Hill, who called him personally to offer the job, assured him the reason he was at the awards was because he’s one of the best comedians in the industry. circulation. of a generation. Also, how could it be otherwise, the presenter comically told how he felt after the phone call: “One minute you’re at home making yourself peppermint tea, and the next you’re invited to be the black face of a beleaguered white organization”.

Finally, to defuse the tension, Carmichael said that despite the HFPA’s track record, the nominees and other guests are talented people he admires: “It’s an afternoon to celebrate and I think the industry deserves evenings like this.“.