5 Shocking Details Behind Nikki Glaser's 'Mean' Selena Gomez Joke: The Backstory And Benny Blanco's Permission

The line between a sharp roast and a 'mean' joke is razor-thin in Hollywood, a fact comedian Nikki Glaser learned firsthand after her hosting gig at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes. The specific joke targeting Selena Gomez and her now-husband, music producer Benny Blanco, sparked immediate chatter, with many in the audience and at home wincing at the seemingly brutal jab. The controversy, which unfolded after the January 5, 2025 ceremony, has since been clarified by Glaser herself, revealing a shocking backstory involving pre-show nerves, a fellow comedian, and the surprising detail that she actually sought permission before delivering the punchline.

The incident remains a fresh talking point in celebrity gossip and stand-up circles as of , perfectly illustrating the high-stakes environment of awards show hosting. This deep dive uncovers the true context of the joke, why it was so controversial, and the behind-the-scenes machinations that led to one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 awards season.

The Comedians and The Couple: A Quick Biography Profile

To fully understand the dynamics of the joke, it is essential to know the key players involved. The joke was a clash of fearless, no-holds-barred comedy meeting one of Hollywood's most high-profile and recently engaged couples.

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• Nikki Glaser (Comedian, Host)
  • Born: June 1, 1984, in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Stand-up comedian, actress, podcast host (including The Nikki Glaser Podcast), and television personality. Known for her fearless, witty, and often self-deprecating observational humor, particularly on sex, relationships, and societal expectations. She made history as the first solo female host of the Golden Globe Awards. She has appeared on numerous roasts, including the highly-publicized The Roast of Tom Brady.
• Selena Gomez (Actress, Singer, Producer)
  • Born: July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
  • Career Highlights: Began her career on Barney & Friends, rose to fame with Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. A multi-talented star with a successful music career, a Golden Globe-nominated acting role in Only Murders in the Building, and the founder of the popular Rare Beauty cosmetics line. Her relationship and subsequent engagement to Benny Blanco became a major pop culture event in late 2024.

The Golden Globes Joke: The Exact Words That Caused a Stir

Contrary to some early social media rumors, Nikki Glaser’s controversial comment was not about Selena Gomez’s health struggles, such as her lupus or kidney transplant, which would have been significantly more sensitive. Instead, the joke was a classic roast-style jab directed at Benny Blanco, which inadvertently drew in Gomez.

The joke, delivered during Glaser’s opening monologue at the January 5, 2025, ceremony, centered on the physical appearance of Benny Blanco in comparison to his famous fiancée.

The exact line delivered by Glaser was relayed as: "Selena Gomez is here with Benny Blanco, her new fiancé, and Benny Blanco is here because of the genie who granted him that wish."

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The implication—that Blanco was so lucky or so physically mismatched with the beautiful Gomez that only a magical wish could explain the relationship—was immediately met with a mix of laughs and uncomfortable groans.

The joke’s impact was amplified by the couple's recent status. Gomez and Blanco had announced their engagement in December 2024, just weeks before the Golden Globes, and were married in September 2025. This meant their relationship was a fresh, high-interest topic, making them prime targets for the host.

5 Shocking Details Behind the Comedic Controversy

The true story of the joke only came to light in the weeks following the awards show, when Nikki Glaser addressed the controversy on various media platforms, including podcasts like Armchair Expert. These revelations provide a rare glimpse into the complex ethics of celebrity roasting.

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1. Glaser Admitted the Joke Felt "Kind of Mean"

In a candid post-show interview, Glaser expressed regret, admitting that the joke felt "kind of mean" in retrospect, despite her intention being purely comedic. This self-reflection is unusual for a comedian known for her aggressive, no-holds-barred style, suggesting she felt the line crossed a personal boundary. She clarified that the joke was meant to be a compliment to Blanco, suggesting he was so cool he could land someone like Gomez.

2. The Joke Was Not About Selena, But Benny Blanco

While Selena Gomez was the bigger star and the immediate subject of the camera cut, the entire premise of the joke was a backhanded compliment to Benny Blanco. It played on the public perception of the music producer's rugged, non-traditional Hollywood look versus Gomez's polished star image. This is a common tactic in roast comedy—to mock the less famous or less conventionally attractive partner in a celebrity coupling.

3. Glaser Claimed She Got Permission Before the Show

Perhaps the most shocking detail is Glaser's revelation that she was so nervous about the particular joke that she sought pre-approval. According to Glaser, she was put into a text chat with Benny Blanco and fellow comedian Eric Andre. She explicitly stated that she "got his permission" to use the joke about him in the monologue. This detail fundamentally changes the nature of the controversy, transforming it from a "savage roast" into a pre-approved, in-on-the-joke moment, a common practice in modern celebrity roasts to avoid genuine offense.

4. The Couple's Reaction Was Praised as "Classy"

Despite the nature of the joke, both Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco were praised by viewers for their reaction. Cameras showed the couple smiling and taking the jab in stride, a response that was widely lauded as "savage" and "classy" on social media. Their ability to laugh off the comment, especially given their recent engagement, demonstrated a secure and mature approach to being in the awards show spotlight.

5. The Joke Was a High-Stakes Moment for the Host

The pressure on Nikki Glaser was immense. As the first solo female host in Golden Globes history, she was under intense scrutiny to deliver a monologue that was both funny and respectful of the Hollywood elite. The Benny Blanco joke became a defining moment of her performance, showcasing her signature "roast" style, which she has perfected on shows like *The Roast of Tom Brady*. The subsequent apology and explanation highlight the fine line she had to walk between being a fearless comedian and a gracious host.

The Evolving Landscape of Roast Comedy and Celebrity Boundaries

The fallout from Nikki Glaser's joke about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco is a perfect case study in the current state of celebrity roast comedy. In the age of social media, where every line is scrutinized and context is often lost, comedians face unprecedented challenges.

Glaser's decision to seek permission, a move she felt necessary for a joke she found potentially "mean," indicates a shift toward a more cautious approach, even among the most fearless comedians. It suggests that while the audience still craves the edgy, unscripted feel of a roast, the celebrities themselves are increasingly involved in setting the boundaries.

For Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, their calm reaction reinforced their public image as a couple who is secure and unbothered by external criticism. Ultimately, the controversy served to generate massive buzz for the 82nd Golden Globes, cementing Nikki Glaser's reputation as a host who is willing to take risks, even if she later admits to feeling a little guilty about them.