Hollywood’s reputation took center stage at the Oscars on Sunday as host Conan O’Brien made a controversial joke about pedophilia during the awards ceremony.

The remark, which referenced the ongoing feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar, drew immediate attention.

O’Brien waited until midway through the live broadcast at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood to make the comment.

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Toronto, Canada - February 18 2025 The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre.

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After returning from a commercial break, he said, “Well, we’re halfway through the show – which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile!”

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Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist SZA and recording artist Kendrick Lamar perform during halftime Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The comment was a direct reference to the highly publicized battle between Lamar and Drake, which has played out in diss tracks and legal disputes over the past several months.

Their feud escalated when Drake filed a defamation lawsuit against Lamar over allegations made in the song Not Like Us.

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New Orleans, Louisiana - April 24, 2010: Drake performs on stage at the 2010 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

The track, which accuses Drake of inappropriate behavior, was performed by Lamar at Super Bowl LIX.

While he omitted the word “pedophile” from the performance to avoid legal consequences, the message remained clear.

O’Brien’s joke mimicked Lamar’s lyrical accusations and was followed by another quip directed at the audience. “Don’t worry, I’m lawyered up!” he added.

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Hollywood has long faced scrutiny over sexual misconduct allegations, with numerous high-profile figures accused of crimes involving minors.

The industry’s handling of such cases has drawn criticism, and O’Brien’s joke reignited discussions about Hollywood’s history with these issues.

While some in the audience laughed at the remark, others appeared uncomfortable.

The moment quickly circulated on social media, with users debating whether the joke was appropriate given the industry’s history.

The Oscars, known for making headlines both for its awards and controversial moments, once again found itself at the center of discussion as O’Brien’s remarks added another layer to the ongoing conversations surrounding Hollywood’s deeper scandals.

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