During the Oscars, host Conan O’Brien made headlines with a sharp jab aimed at ex-Prince Andrew, referencing the absence of British actors nominated for the best acting categories. His comment highlighted the ongoing scandal surrounding Andrew, who has faced serious allegations related to his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. O’Brien's quip not only drew reactions of shock from the live audience but also sparked a flurry of responses on social media platforms.

O’Brien's comment was a reference to the fact that for the first time since 2012, there were no British actors nominated for the Oscars in the best actor and actress categories. The humor was dark as he followed up with a remark about retaining "our pedophile" in light of the controversies involving Andrew, who had been arrested earlier for alleged abuses of his position. Although he was released, he remains a significant figure within the ongoing investigations related to Epstein and other serious accusations.

The incident encapsulates the intersection of entertainment and real-world issues, raising concerns about the responsibilities of public figures and the reactions of audiences to humor that touches on sensitive subjects. As social media erupted with a mix of shock and approval for O’Brien's comments, the event has sparked further discussions about the portrayal of public figures in comedy, especially those with controversial pasts.