Nikki Glaser Reveals the Cruel Sydney Sweeney Joke She Cut from 2026 Golden Globes

The Cut Sydney Sweeney Joke at the 2026 Golden Globes

Nikki Glaser, known for her sharp wit and fearless comedy, recently shared details about a particularly cruel joke she had prepared for the 2026 Golden Globes but ultimately decided to cut. The joke targeted actress Sydney Sweeney, who had faced significant criticism in 2025 for her role choices and box office performance. Glaser revealed the joke during a candid interview on Sirius XM’s “The Howard Stern Show,” explaining the context and her reasoning behind shelving the punchline.

Glaser’s original joke referenced Sweeney’s 2025 film “Christy,” a biopic about the boxer Christy Martin, which unfortunately flopped at the box office. The comedian quipped, “There was a movie this year where Sydney Sweeney played a lesbian who just bounced around in tiny shorts for two hours and it made $14.” This biting remark was meant to highlight both the film’s poor reception and the limited, often typecast roles available to young actresses in Hollywood.

Despite the joke’s potential to generate laughs, Glaser chose not to deliver it during the live Golden Globes ceremony, especially since Sweeney was not in attendance. The decision reflected Glaser’s awareness of the fine line between comedy and cruelty, particularly when it involves sensitive topics like an actor’s career struggles.

Other Celebrity Jokes That Didn’t Make the Cut

Sydney Sweeney wasn’t the only star spared from Glaser’s sharp tongue that night. The comedian revealed that she had prepared several other jokes targeting A-list celebrities but decided to hold back to avoid unnecessary offense. Among those who narrowly escaped her roast were Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Julia Roberts, and Jonathan Bailey.

For instance, had Brad Pitt attended the event and been nominated for his role in the racing film “F1,” Glaser planned to joke, “When a man turns 60, he gets to play a race car driver. Meanwhile, after 35, every role for a woman is a tired mom who hates her life.” This joke was a pointed commentary on Hollywood’s ageism and gender disparity in casting.

Sean Penn, who was present at the ceremony, was only lightly teased. Glaser admitted she had multiple jokes ready for Penn but ultimately settled on a gentler jab, calling him “a sexy leather handbag.” She explained that she didn’t want to upset the actor, highlighting her consideration even in roasting.

Jonathan Bailey, named People magazine’s 2025 “Sexiest Man Alive,” was another target. Glaser’s joke touched on the significance of Bailey being the first openly gay man to receive the title, noting the awkwardness of having to specify “openly” given past winners.

The most notable omission was a joke about Julia Roberts. Glaser confessed she cut the joke fearing backlash, saying, “I literally thought I was going to be tarred and feathered after the show.” Her planned punchline was, “Julia Roberts is nominated for ‘After the Hunt.’ I don’t know what it’s about, but I’m assuming the hunt was to find someone who’s seen it.”

Despite these cuts, Glaser still delivered memorable roasts of other celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, maintaining the event’s lively and humorous atmosphere.

Why Nikki Glaser Chose to Cut the Sydney Sweeney Joke

The decision to cut the Sydney Sweeney joke was not taken lightly. Glaser explained that while comedy often thrives on pushing boundaries, there is a responsibility to consider the impact of one’s words. Given the sensitive nature of Sweeney’s recent career challenges and the actress’s absence from the ceremony, Glaser felt the joke might come across as unnecessarily harsh or mean-spirited.

This choice reflects a broader trend in comedy where performers balance edgy humor with empathy, especially in high-profile settings like award shows. Glaser’s transparency about the joke’s removal offers insight into the complexities comedians face when crafting material that is both funny and respectful.

Conclusion

Nikki Glaser’s revelation about the cruel Sydney Sweeney joke she cut from the 2026 Golden Globes highlights the delicate balance comedians must strike between humor and sensitivity. While Glaser’s sharp wit could have easily sparked controversy, her decision to hold back demonstrates a thoughtful approach to comedy in today’s cultural climate. If you enjoyed this inside look at the Golden Globes monologue and want to stay updated on celebrity news and comedy insights, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories and exclusive content!