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What did John Oliver say at Emmys? Acceptance speech censored twice during live broadcast

John Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second Emmys acceptance speech on live television.

Updated on: Sep 15, 2025, 07:36:20 IST
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John Oliver took home the Emmy for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series on Sunday, continuing his long-running streak for Last Week Tonight. But it wasn’t just the win that caught viewers' attention. Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second acceptance speech on live television.

John Oliver reacts after winning the award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series for "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 14, 2025. (REUTERS)
John Oliver reacts after winning the award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series for "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 14, 2025. (REUTERS)

What did John Oliver say at the Emmys?

While the live broadcast muted parts of Oliver’s speech, social media quickly filled in the gaps.

According to one X (formerly Twitter) user, Oliver jokingly took aim at fellow comedian Nate Bargatze, who was also in attendance.

“F--k you Nate Bargatze, that is a lot of money for you - and you can add a f--- to the swear jar as well,” he reportedly said.

HT.com could not independently verify this.

Also read: Emmy Awards 2025 full list of winners

Social media reactions

The unexpected censorship left many viewers confused and curious.

One person wrote on X, “So who’s gonna tell me what John Oliver said for them to cut his speech off of live tv because I need to know thanks guys please help.”

Another wrote, “I cannot wait to find out what John Oliver said that got censored.”

A third person added, “Why did they just out John Oliver twice? Did he swear or was it Palestine? He is quite politically vocal too so I’m wondering what’s going on.”

Another wrote, “Wait did CBS just cut parts of John Oliver's acceptance speech or is the P+ stream just glitchy?”

Another commented, “What did John Oliver saaaaaaaaay?!?? How are you all getting uncensored speeches?!?! I wanna hear it ALL! Is this a scheme setup by TODD?!?”

Hannah Einbinder’s speech also censored

John Oliver wasn’t the only Emmy winner whose speech was censored on live TV. Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, who won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, also had part of her acceptance speech muted during the broadcast.

Toward the end of her speech, Einbinder gave a shout-out to her NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, before making a bold political statement that was bleeped out on air.

“Go Birds, f--- ICE, and free Palestine,” Einbinder said.

  • Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

    Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

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