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American comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her bold and often unapologetic humor, recently admitted that one of her jokes during the 2025 Golden Globes may have crossed the line—especially when it involved newly engaged couple Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco.
During a candid conversation at the TIME100 Summit, Glaser reflected on her hosting gig at the star-studded awards show and the one moment she wishes she could take back.
The Joke That Didn’t Land
Recalling her joke, Glaser shared,
“The Golden Globes, I feel like the one joke that I would’ve been like, ‘That was kind of mean,’ was, I said that Selena Gomez is here because of Emilia Pérez, and Benny Blanco is here because the genie granted him that one wish.”
The audience laughed at the time, but Glaser now acknowledges the joke may have come off as a dig at Blanco’s appearance or worthiness as Selena’s partner—a common (and problematic) narrative online.
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“Because everyone’s like he’s not attractive enough for her, and for me, I never looked at them and actually thought that. I feel like she won too with it. I think he’s really cool,” she added.
Seeking Permission Ahead of the Show
Interestingly, Glaser didn’t go into the joke blind. She revealed that she reached out to Benny Blanco in advance to give him a heads-up and seek his approval.
“I got his number and was like, ‘Hey, you don’t know me, but I’m hosting this thing. Can I say that you’re there because a genie granted you a wish?’”
This thoughtful step highlights Glaser’s awareness and sensitivity—despite the self-deprecating humor she’s known for.
Selena and Benny: A Love Story in the Spotlight
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco confirmed their relationship in 2023 and got engaged in 2024 after a year of dating. Their romance has been the subject of both adoration and scrutiny, with social media often weighing in on their compatibility and appearances.
Selena’s acclaimed Spanish-language film Emilia Pérez—nominated for 13 Oscars and winner of 2—marked a career milestone for her, and it was one of the reasons she was celebrated at the Golden Globes. The film also represented her artistic evolution and cultural embrace.
Glaser on Humor, Regret, and Growth
While comedy often walks a tightrope between edgy and offensive, Glaser’s openness about regretting the joke illustrates her growth and willingness to reexamine her words—even when done in jest.
As a comedian who thrives on roasting, Glaser’s reflection serves as a reminder that humor, especially in the public eye, carries weight—and even jokes given the green light by their subjects can still sting in hindsight.
