John Oliver made quite the impression at the 2024 Emmys when he dropped an F-bomb during his acceptance speech for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series. The late night host was not pleased when the awards show tried to play him off early while he was giving a heartfelt tribute to his late dog.
Oliver began his speech by thanking his staff, some of whom were present at the event while others were in Brooklyn. He expressed his gratitude to HBO for their support over the past decade, jokingly appreciating the fact that they didn’t cancel his show.
As he continued to thank his wife and children, Oliver accidentally referred to his own son as “husband” before correcting himself and stating his actual name, Hudson. He humorously remarked that his mistake would come back to haunt him.
The late night host then turned his attention to his beloved dog, who had been with him and his family through thick and thin. He mentioned that their dog had been present at their wedding and had provided comfort during the pandemic and two pregnancies.
Just as Oliver was speaking about saying goodbye to their dog, the play-off music started playing. Unfazed, he paused, raised his finger, and sarcastically commented on the “perfect choice of music.” It was at this moment that he slipped up and uttered the expletive, “Fuck you!” This moment was censored, but lip-reading skills and a viewer in Australia seemed to confirm what Oliver had said.
Undeterred by the interruption, Oliver continued his speech, comparing himself to Sarah Mclachlan and emphasizing that his tribute to his dog was not just for her, but for all dogs. He acknowledged their loyalty and proclaimed that they deserved a treat, clutching his award tightly.
In a final act of defiance, Oliver declared, “Play me off now!” This prompted the music to start once again, resuming after a brief pause following his profane outburst.
The incident gained significant attention online, with viewers expressing their outrage at the awards show’s attempt to cut off Oliver during a heartfelt moment. People took to social media to express their support for Oliver and his dedication to his late dog.
While the 2024 Emmys continued to air on ABC, John Oliver’s unforgettable acceptance speech left a lasting impression. His candid and humorous reaction to being played off early only added to the memorable nature of the evening.
