The Emmys generated a lot of excitement, with highs of successes and lows of disappointments. Countless jokes were told amidst the celebrations and disappointments, but not all of them appeared to achieve their intended target.
Meryl Streep is without a doubt one of the most iconic actors of her generation, with unquestionable talent and legendary fame. Her appearance at the 76th Emmys was as compelling as it has always been.
The actress, on the other hand, probably had no idea she’d be the focus of an unexpected joke. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney, co-stars on “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” and a real-life couple, took the stage to present the award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.’ Meryl Streep, best known for her part in “Only Murders In The Building,” was one of the contenders in this category.
As they presented the trophy, the husband-and-wife team cracked a joke that has elicited conflicting reactions on the internet.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor the comedic performances that hold everything in place,” McElhenney said. “They show crucial support when it’s really needed.”
To this, his wife Olson replied, “Much like a ᴊᴏᴄᴋsᴛʀᴀᴘ. What you were describing sounds very much like a ᴊᴏᴄᴋsᴛʀᴀᴘ.”
To this, McElhenney pauses and says, “No, it doesn’t! These roles make sure everything stays secure. Without this support, the whole package falls apart… alright, this does sound like a ᴊᴏᴄᴋsᴛʀᴀᴘ.”
The audience begins laughing at the joke and Olson says, “Are you calling Meryl Streep a ᴊᴏᴄᴋsᴛʀᴀᴘ?” and McElhenney replies, “No! I’m so sorry, Meryl.”
At this point, the camera cuts to the star of The Devil Wears Prada, who appears astonished by the comparison.
Streep glances down at the floor, mouthing, “Oh, God.” And this is when the online controversy began.
While some believe Streep misinterpreted the joke, others believe she was laughing along.
“I don’t know who wrote the #EmmyAwards tonight, but the dialogue is soooo cringe. They just compared Meryl Streep to a ᴊᴏᴄᴋsᴛʀᴀᴘ. Yeah, it’s that bad,” one user said.
Another person chimded in saying, “Wow. Meryl Streep did NOT like that ᴊᴏᴄᴋsᴛʀᴀᴘ joke.”
“Meryl Streep’s face w the ᴊᴏᴄᴋsᴛʀᴀᴘ joke. Standing ovation in my house rn,” one person commented.
Even though Streep did not win the award, she remained cheerful throughout the evening. The actress looked stunning in a baby pink Alexander McQueen suit adorned with exquisite bows and paired with her distinctive eyewear. Seated next to her “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Martin Short, their intimate connection sparked persistent suspicions about their possible collaboration outside of the program.
Although Short has previously refuted reports of a romantic relationship between them, the two have been spotted together in public on multiple occasions, frequently appearing amicable and close.
