Steve Martin and Martin Short Roast Jimmy Fallon Over Divisive Greg Gutfeld Appearance
Actors Steve Martin and Martin Short recently appeared on Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show," and their visit took an unexpected turn when they humorously confronted Fallon about his decision to platform Fox News host Greg Gutfeld. The exchange left Fallon visibly uncomfortable, generating significant buzz online.
The Controversy Surrounding Greg Gutfeld's Appearance
Last month, Jimmy Fallon faced backlash for inviting Greg Gutfeld, host of the political satire show "Gutfeld!" on Fox News, onto his late-night program. Gutfeld, known for his conservative views, has previously made controversial statements, including suggesting that conservatives should reclaim the word "Nazi" and making problematic remarks about women. This led to criticism from viewers who felt Fallon was providing a platform for divisive and harmful rhetoric.
The Roast Begins: "Epstein Files" and Deportation Jokes
During the interview with Martin, Short, and Selena Gomez, the comedic duo immediately launched into a politically charged roast. Short quipped, "Jimmy Fallon, or as the Epstein files know you as, 'redacted'!" adding a layer of awkwardness. Martin continued, saying, "Look how handsome you are! Your smile is like an email from Trump — all caps." The jokes didn't stop there; Steve Martin added, "I know we’re just being funny here, but honestly, of all the late-night hosts, I’ll miss you most… When you are deported to Uganda."
The "Gutfeld Guy" Comment
The most pointed jab came when Martin Short seemingly referenced the Greg Gutfeld controversy directly. He stated, "Well, I just love [your] show, I wish I could see it more. But, you know, it’s on so late, and I’m kind of a Gutfeld guy." Fallon responded with an awkward "Oh yeah, interesting," and quickly changed the subject.
Online Reaction and Viewer Responses
The segment quickly went viral, with many internet users praising Martin and Short for their bold humor. Comments included: "fallon looked incredibly uncomfortable the entire time and i love that" and "Love to see Fallon get really really really uncomfortable." One user commented, "Shout out to Steve Martin and Martin Short for running out of fucks to give long ago." The palpable discomfort experienced by Fallon during the interview was noted by many viewers. Some recognized that the roasting by people who may be his heros must sting.