Jack Whitehall Faces Backlash at BRIT Awards for Diddy Joke

Jack Whitehall is receiving significant criticism after making a controversial joke about Sean 'Diddy' Combs while hosting the BRIT Awards on Saturday night.

The 36-year-old comedian was the host for the evening at London’s O2 Arena, which was broadcast live on ITV.

During the ceremony, following a performance by the artist JADE, Jack made a reference to Diddy’s infamous ‘white party’ that shocked many viewers.

Fans expressed their outrage on social media platforms. One user shared their disbelief, stating, "Diddy & Kanye jokes??? what is wrong with Jack?? so unfunny #BRITs2025;" while another lamented, "Jack making a Diddy joke I can't... I hate him maybe;" and a third commented, "Why did Jack have to mention Diddy?" This ongoing dialogue highlighted a general consensus that his comments were out of line.

The timing of Jack's joke raised eyebrows due to Diddy currently facing serious legal issues. He is set to go on trial for sex trafficking charges in May, with an alleged underage victim claiming she was present at one of his past parties.

Many felt that Jack Whitehall's joke was not just inappropriate but also tone-deaf, with comments like, "It was so tasteless and tone-deaf," and others calling out for fewer appearances from him at such events.

Throughout the evening, Jack's hosting style included roasting various celebrities, including YouTuber KSI, which drew mixed reactions. He humorously suggested that KSI judging talent was similar to Stephen Hawking judging a dance show, implying that KSI was out of his depth.

In his commentary, Jack made fun of KSI and his music career, joking that his songs seemed 'past their prime'. He also poked fun at Simon Cowell’s appearance and addressed Stormzy’s recent partnership with McDonald's, remarking on how it was ironic given the fast-food chain's current controversies.

Despite the backlash, Jack Whitehall continued to humorously critique other attendees, suggesting that some celebrities in the audience were simply competition winners.

Many felt that his jokes, including the remark about Diddy, detracted from the performances and the overall atmosphere of the BRIT Awards, which had many expectations this year with headlining performances and notable nominations.

Jack’s return as host had been met with mixed feelings, as he previously hosted the event multiple times and tweeted a humorous comment about needing to healthily entertain the audience. However, this particular joke has overshadowed his return.

backlash, joke, BRITs