11 March 2024 , 00:28
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Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Robert Downey Jr's past drug use during his opening speech didn't go down too well with the Ironman star - or viewers watching at home.
Jimmy took to the Oscars stage inside the Dolby theatre earlier this evening to host the 96th Academy Awards, delivering a classic opening monologue full of jokes. The comedian targeted several celebrity guests after warning earlier in the week that nothing was "off limits".
The 56-year-old proved this when he made a joke about Oppenheimer star Robert Downey Jr and his past struggles with substance abuse within minutes of the ceremony beginning. "This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr's long and illustrious career...well one of the highest points..." He started.
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Oscars 2024 host Jimmy Kimmel shocks Robert Downey Jr with 'rectangular penis' jibeAs the live cameras switched to see Robert's reaction, the MCU star touched the tip of his nose, leading Jimmy to ask: "Was that too on the nose or was that a drug motion you made? " Likely sensing the tension, Jimmy quickly moved on to compliment the actor saying: "Look at this guy, he's so handsome, so talented."
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But things soon took another turn as Jimmy stuttered: "Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular penis?" Taken aback by the cheeky comment, Robert shocked fans as he simply shrugged. Even Jonathan Ross played with the joke during his commentary on ITV, noting it seemed like the "bum moment" in Jimmy's opening monologue.
Robert Downey Jr didn't look too impressed in the audience (ABC)"Robert Downey Jr if you want to Will Smith slap Jimmy Kimmel I don’t blame you," one Twitter (X) user joked as the awkward moment aired, with another adding: "robert downey jr is absolutely going to k*ll jimmy kimmel." A third declared: "I usually love Kimmel but those Robert Downey Jr jokes were cheap as fuck. Not cool. #TheOscars."
ITV is currently broadcasting the ceremony in the UK this year after the show moved from its former home on Sky Cinema, with Jonathan Ross opening the coverage at 10.15pm UK time on Sunday night. The Oscars' start time was delayed by five minutes, Ross told ITV viewers earlier this evening, as pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside the ceremony. This caused delays to stars accessing the red carpet, it has been reported. The show eventually opened with host Jimmy superimposed into a scene from the box office sensation Barbie.
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In the bus stop scene from the film, Margot Robbie's Barbie turns to him and says "You're so beautiful." Jimmy replied: "I know I was just thinking that, I haven't eaten in three weeks. "I'm so hungry, I have to go host the Oscars." Appearing on stage, he said: "Thank you for that partial standing ovation."
The Oscars host added: "And for making it on time, the show is starting an hour earlier this year but don't worry, it will still start very, very late." Jimmy also made passing reference to the strikes which ground Hollywood to a halt, referring to what "a hard year" it had been for the industry.