'Extremely disrespectful': Internet backs Ariana DeBose as she says she didn’t find Critics Choice Awards joke ‘funny’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 2024 Critics Choice Awards sparked an unexpected controversy when presenters Bella Ramsey and Anthony Ramos made an ill-advised attempt at humor at the expense of singer and actress Ariana DeBose.

In announcing the Best Song nominees, the duo distinguished between "famous voices" like Billie Eilish and "actors who also think they are singers", listing DeBose in the latter category, as reported by Deadline.

The joke implying DeBose lacked legitimate musical ability fell flat and was seen by many as disrespectful. DeBose reacted with puzzled grace in the viral moment, while fans rushed to defend her on social media.

Ariana DeBose seemed put off by presenters' joke

Presenters Ramsey and Ramos took the stage on Sunday evening, January 14, to announce the nominees for Best Song. In the category were musicians Eilish, Lenny Kravitz and Dua Lipa.

Ramsey then proceeded to make a distinction between "famous voices in the music industry" and "actors who also think they are singers." She named multi-talents Jack Black and Ryan Gosling in the latter group, along with DeBose.

The joke implied these actors lacked legitimacy as musical artists compared to pop singers. The camera cut to DeBose, who laughed at first but seemed confused and put off by the categorization.

DeBose was nominated for her performance of 'This Wish' in the animated film 'Wish', which showed off both her acting and singing abilities. She is also a Tony-nominated Broadway performer in musicals like 'Hamilton' and a 2022 Oscar winner for playing Anita in 'West Side Story.'

Later, DeBose acknowledged the awkward moment by posting "No I didn’t find it funny" on Instagram along with a lighthearted "LOL."

Internet swiftly rallies to Ariana DeBose's defense

In response to the Critics Choice Awards incident, the Internet swiftly rallied to DeBose's defense.

One X user condemned the incident, stating, "Extremely disrespectful. Definitely deserves an apology by whoever wrote that and by the presenters… never should’ve read that."

Another user, emphasizing DeBose's musical prowess, added, "She's a great singer."

A third individual expressed disdain saying, "Terrible goof!!!! Rude and wrong!"

This sentiment continued with another person calling for a broader cultural awareness, commenting, "Uhh Awards shows need to get writers who are aware of pop culture beyond their circles."

Asserting DeBose's multifaceted skills, a fifth user questioned, "She is a singer/actor. Are people not paying attention to what they are writing?" 

One user humorously pointed out DeBose's accolades, stating, "Well, I mean she only *checks notes* won an Oscar for singing a Bernstein score and *squints at fine print* played Donna Summer in her prime."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.