Nikki Glaser wows crowd with controversial Epstein joke at the Golden Globes

Nikki Glaser kicked off the 83rd Golden Globe Awards with a joke about the redacted release of US government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, drawing attention both inside the venue and on social media.

Glaser's quip about "A-listers" being on a redacted list led to mixed reactions, with some finding it humorous and others caught off guard by the subject matter so early in the show.

Some viewers shifted focus to the broadcast direction, noting the camera cut to Bill Maher when Glaser mentioned the Epstein list, although Maher has not been implicated in any wrongdoing related to Epstein.

The joke about the "Golden Globe for Best Editing" extended to a dig at CBS News, further fueling the humorous critique of recent editorial decisions amid controversy surrounding the network.

Glaser, known for her roast-style comedy, mixed celebrity-focused jokes with the Epstein reference, setting a tone that diverged from the expected celebratory atmosphere of the awards show.

The early Epstein joke sparked significant online discussion, with viewers expressing surprise at the timing rather than engaging in a detailed debate on the appropriateness of the material.

The Golden Globes have a history of featuring edgy material related to current scandals, with previous hosts like Ricky Gervais also incorporating Epstein references into their monologues.

Glaser's joke, focusing on government document releases and the theme of "editing", underscored broader cultural discussions around redactions, trust in institutions, and the impact of the Epstein case on public discourse.