Comedian Nikki Glaser is no stranger to pushing boundaries with her sharp wit and fearless humor, 

and her hosting gig at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards was no exception. 

However, not every joke she wrote for her monologue made it to the stage. 

In a recent interview, Glaser revealed one particularly edgy joke about Ben Affleck’s high-profile divorce that she ultimately decided to cut before the live broadcast. 

Describing it as “insane,” the comedian explained why she chose to hold back this controversial punchline.

Glaser, who is known for her unapologetic and unfiltered comedic style, was tasked with hosting the prestigious Golden Globe ceremony, a role that comes with its own set of challenges. 

As is typical for any comedian preparing for such an event, Glaser wrote a monologue filled with jabs at the Hollywood elite, poking fun at the most talked-about events and celebrities of the moment. While she often embraces bold humor, Glaser admitted that there was one joke in particular about Ben Affleck’s personal life that pushed her to question her boundaries.

The joke in question referenced the public fallout from Affleck’s divorce from actress Jennifer Lopez, which had been a major tabloid topic in recent years. The comedian, known for her ability to turn real-life situations into comedic gold, had crafted a punchline that involved poking fun at the highly publicized nature of Affleck’s personal life. As Glaser explained, the joke was meant to be a humorous take on the way media outlets have scrutinized Affleck’s relationships, and how the actor himself has often been the subject of tabloid fodder.

However, despite the joke’s potential for a big laugh, Glaser ultimately decided it was too risky to include. In her interview, she described the joke as “insane” and said that it felt like it might be too much, even for her. “It was one of those things where, when I wrote it, I thought it was funny, but then the more I thought about it, I realized it could go really wrong,” she said. “Sometimes, you have to know when to draw the line, especially when you’re hosting something as big as the Golden Globes. There’s a lot of people watching, and I didn’t want to cross a line that could be seen as too harsh or insensitive.”

While the joke may have had the potential to generate a big reaction from the audience, Glaser’s decision to cut it speaks to her professionalism and understanding of the balance comedians must strike between edgy humor and respect for the people they’re joking about. In an industry that is constantly evolving in its approach to comedy, with increasing sensitivity around issues like celebrity privacy and personal relationships, Glaser chose to err on the side of caution.

Interestingly, Glaser’s decision to cut the joke also sparked a broader conversation about the role of comedy in today’s media landscape. Many comedians are now more aware than ever of the impact their words can have, not just on their audience but on the subjects of their jokes. The Ben Affleck divorce punchline, while undoubtedly funny to some, could have caused unintended fallout, especially given Affleck’s history with the press and public perception. Glaser’s choice reflected an awareness of the changing tides in comedy and the need to adapt to a more thoughtful, nuanced environment.

Despite cutting the joke, Glaser still delivered a memorable Golden Globes monologue that was filled with her signature blend of humor, irreverence, and self-deprecation. Her jokes about other celebrities, including playful digs at the industry’s quirks and the absurdities of Hollywood, landed well with the audience and garnered laughs throughout the evening. Ultimately, Glaser’s hosting stint was a success, as she was able to balance her comedic edge with the professionalism required for an event as high-profile as the Golden Globes.

Looking back on the night, Glaser reflected on the challenges of writing jokes for such a massive stage, where every word can be scrutinized and every line can have a ripple effect. Her decision to cut the Ben Affleck joke showed a maturity in her approach to comedy, recognizing when something may not be worth the potential fallout. In the end, Glaser demonstrated that being a great comedian isn’t just about delivering edgy humor; it’s also about knowing when to pull back and make the best decision for the audience, the event, and herself.

As for the “insane” Ben Affleck divorce joke, it remains one of the many unspoken moments that could have been part of a memorable Golden Globes monologue. But for Nikki Glaser, choosing not to share it was perhaps the wisest move of the evening.

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