US comedian Wanda Sykes has detailed a post-awards confrontation with Bill Maher, sparked by a joke she delivered about him during the Golden Globe Awards in January. Sykes, 62, was on stage to present the award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television, ultimately won by British comic Ricky Gervais, when she targeted Maher with a pointed remark.
During her presentation, Sykes commented: "There’s some people p****ed off that a queer Black woman is up here doing the job of two mediocre white guys. But first, I want to give them some love. Bill Maher, you give us so much, but I would love a little less. Just try less." The camera then cut to Maher, who appeared visibly unamused by the quip, tilting his head slightly in response.
Speaking on Vulture’s Good One podcast recently, Sykes recounted that Maher approached her in the parking area after the ceremony. "We were waiting for our cars. And he was like, ‘What was that about?’ I was like, ‘It’s a joke, Bill.’ He was like, ‘Well, I mean, it wasn’t even a joke.’ I said, ‘Oh, no, I heard laughter. It was clearly a joke,’" Sykes explained.
She further elaborated on the exchange, stating that Maher continued to dispute the comedic nature of her comment. Sykes recalled telling him, "See? You’re doing exactly what we said in the joke! We need less of this! You epitomise the joke. Less of this!" According to Sykes, Maher was reportedly receiving critical feedback from his fans regarding the joke, describing it as "stupid." Sykes retorted by mentioning positive reactions she received and contrasting their respective news consumption habits, suggesting he was watching Fox News while she was on MSNBC.
The comedian also revealed that Maher subsequently invited her to appear on his podcast, an offer she firmly declined. This incident highlights the often-unpredictable nature of live awards show humour and the varied reactions it can provoke, particularly among those who are the subject of the jokes. While the Golden Globes are primarily US-focused, the event is widely watched in the UK, with streaming available on platforms like Paramount+ and Sky Showcase, and clips often circulating across social media.