On January 7th, 2024, 9.4 million people tuned in to watch the 81st annual Golden Globes. And the nearly 10 million viewers got to watch as dramatic events unfolded.  

With about 1,400 guests present at the Golden Globes, many of them iconic and well-known celebrities, the capability for drama and shocking events to unfold is like a ticking bomb. Just last year, Will Smith punched Chris Rock at the Golden Globes after Rock made a controversial joke about Smith’s wife’s appearance. 

Though no punches were thrown this year at the Golden Globes, ill thought-out jokes were not scarce.  

Jo Koy, American comedian and actor hosted the Golden Globes.  

Koy tried to draw laughs from the audience by making a remark about the ‘Barbie’ movie in comparison to the film ‘Oppenheimer ‘which premiered around the same time. Both movies were in the run for the cinematic and box office achievement award. 

“… And ‘Barbie’ is based on a plastic doll” Koy said.  

The audience did not react as he thought they would, and viewers are trying to figure out how to react to the comment. Though meant as a joke, Koy’s Barbie remark is resonating with viewers all over.  

“I feel like the ‘Barbie’ movie was meant to make people feel good about themselves and change what Barbie means to people, especially young girls. I feel like the joke took that all away,” junior, Hazel Borland said.