Comedian Michael V. defended Filipino-American stand-up comic Jo Koy, who continues to get criticized for his hosting style at the recently concluded Golden Globes.
Posting on Facebook, Bitoy (Michael V.'s nickname) described Jo Koy's jokes during the ceremony as "funny, direct and pretty much self-explanatory."
He wrote, "The last thing Jo Koy should be doing is trying to explain it to people who purposely choose NOT to understand and appreciate them."
Jo Koy became the first Filipino-American to host the prestigious Hollywood event.
However, Jo Koy's performance at the ceremony was loathed as viewers found his jokes flat, leading to awkward moments between him and the audience.
Jo Koy's joke on Barbie, calling it a movie about “a plastic doll with big boobs," was met with "sexist" accusations.
Meanwhile, his supposed funny remark about Taylor Swift getting lots of attention every time she's in attendance to watch NFL (National Football League) games received an icy reception, including from Taylor herself.
Below is the GIF clip of Taylor's actual reaction.
HOSTING IS TOUGH
In the aftermath of the event, social media was inundated with negative reactions all directed toward Jo Koy.
Amidst the criticisms, Jo Koy found support from notable Hollywood figures who themselves have hosted award shows in the past.
Read: Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg defend Jo Koy amid Golden Globes backlash
“I tip my hat to anyone who steps out on stage to host a live awards show. It’s a very difficult job and not for the squeamish. I know because I’m still throwing up from the last time I did it in 2010,” wrote American comedian Steve Martin on Threads.
“So, Congratulations to Jo Koy, who took on the toughest gig in show business, hit, missed, was light on his feet, and now has twenty minutes of new material for his stand up!”
Actress-host Whoopi Goldberg said on the TV program The View, "Hosting gigs are brutal."
Whoopi, who in 1994 became the first black woman to host the Academy Awards, continued, "I don’t know whether it was the room, I don’t know whether it was the jokes, I didn’t get to see it.
"But I do know, that he is as good as it gets when it comes to stand-ups and it is not an easy gig."
Comedian Kevin Hart also came to Jo Koy's defense, saying, “It's a tough room, and without the knowledge and understanding of how to navigate a room — you can have some moments, some bumps."
Added Kevin, "People want to highlight the world of bad but Jo will be good and always has been.
"I love Jo, I can't wait to see what else Jo does; industry or not industry, he’s made it this far, [and] he will make it after."
In response to the backlash, Jo Koy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event.
Read: Jo Koy on Golden Globes gaffe: "I feel bad."
Reflecting on the criticism, he candidly admitted, "I’d be lying if [I said] it doesn’t hurt … Hosting is just a tough gig."