BAFTAs host David Tennant recently reflected on a valuable lesson learned from comedian Jo Koy's Golden Globes appearance. In an interview with Variety, Tennant revealed that the lesson learned is simple: 'Don't diss Tay Tay.' The actor, who resides in a household of Taylor Swift fans, acknowledged that he knows better than to make jokes at the expense of the beloved pop star.
During the Golden Globes last month, Jo Koy made a remark about the NFL's frequent coverage of Taylor Swift and her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Koy stated, 'The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? At the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift, I swear. There's just more to go to.' Swift's reaction was captured on camera as she took an awkward sip from her drink, appearing visibly annoyed.
Swift's loyal fans, known as Swifites, rushed to defend the singer on social media. One fan even commented, 'Taylor Swift being unamused by Jo Koy, she's really just like us!' Tennant, on the other hand, believes that the lesson here is not to poke fun at Taylor Swift since he understands firsthand the passion her fans possess.
As the host of the BAFTAs, Tennant's aim is to hold the event together, although he admits he may not take the same approach as Koy. He shared with Variety, 'I think you just have to kind of be who you are, really. But we've got some good material that won't leave anyone feeling got at.'
Jo Koy defended his joke a day after the Golden Globes, explaining that it was intended to be 'cute' and merely highlighting the difference in camera coverage between the NFL and awards shows. He later admitted on GMA3: What You Need to Know that the joke 'just didn't come out that way' and acknowledged the ambiguity.
Celebrities had mixed reactions to Swift's response. The View cohost Sara Haines believed Swift should 'get a sense of humor,' while Megyn Kelly argued that Swift made the 'wrong move' by reacting negatively. On the other hand, some stars, such as Melissa Rivers and Steve Martin, stood up for Jo Koy, with Rivers stating that the backlash he received was unjustified.
Jo Koy addressed the Golden Globes controversy in a St. Louis comedy gig by comparing celebrities to 'marshmallows' and questioning whether people can still laugh at themselves. He expressed his frustrations over perceived sensitivity and the lack of humor in the current climate.
The BAFTAs, which will be hosted by David Tennant, will air in the UK on BBC One on Sunday, February 18th. The ceremony will also be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer and BritxBox.
With this lesson learned, it seems clear that making jokes at the expense of Taylor Swift may not be the wisest move, especially considering her dedicated fanbase. Perhaps it's best to focus on providing an entertaining and enjoyable event for all, as Tennant intends to do as the host of the BAFTAs.
