WATCH: Meryl Streep appears stunned by bold Emmy Awards quip directed at her

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 2024 Emmy Awards witnessed an unexpected moment when actors Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney took the stage to present the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series.

While the duo is known for their comedic timing on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia',' their routine at the Emmys took an unexpected turn, drawing gasps from the audience and leaving the legendary Meryl Streep visibly stunned, as per TODAY.

Meryl Streep appears visibly stunned by unexpected quip during Emmy Awards

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor the comedic performances that hold everything in place. They show crucial support when it's really needed," began Rob McElhenney, setting the tone for what seemed like a typical award presentation.

However, Olson quickly interjected with a quip that no one saw coming. "Much like a jockstrap," she replied, causing an immediate ripple of surprise among the attendees.

"Yes — what? No, not like a jockstrap!" McElhenney responded, attempting to steer the comparison back on track. Olson wasn't ready to let it go, though, retorting with, "What you were describing sounds very much like a jockstrap."

The back-and-forth continued, with McElhenney trying to justify his initial metaphor.

"These roles make sure everything stays secure, without this support the whole package falls apart... Alright, this does sound like a jockstrap," he conceded, realizing the predicament he had gotten himself into.

The most unexpected part came when Olson asked, "Yeah, are you calling Meryl Streep a jockstrap?"

The camera immediately panned to Streep in the front row, capturing her shock. Her initial reaction was one of disbelief before she looked down, seemingly mouthing "Oh God" to herself.

McElhenney, realizing the awkwardness of the situation, quickly backpedaled. "No! I'm so sorry Meryl," he said, attempting to make amends.

It remains unclear whether Streep was in on the joke or if it caught her completely off-guard.

The jockstrap joke left a significant impression not just on those present at the awards but also on viewers at home.

On X, one person remarked, "I don’t know who wrote the #EmmyAwards tonight, but the dialog (sic) is soooooo cringe. They just compared Meryl Streep to a jock strap. Yeah, it’s that bad." Another said, "i can’t believe @RMcElhenney just called Meryl Streep a jockstrap."

"Meryl streep reacting to being called a jockstrap was amazing," wrote one person. Another added, "Meryl’s reaction to being called a jockstrap she’s so beloved."

Meryl Streep's front row appearance with Martin Short reignites romance rumors

Aside from the unexpected jockstrap quip, Meryl Streep also made headlines for her front-row appearance at the Emmys, seated next to her 'Only Murders in the Building' co-star Martin Short, according to New York Post.

Their closeness at the event once again sparked rumors about a possible romance, which have been circulating for some time now. The duo was previously seen getting cozy at the 2024 Golden Globes, adding fuel to the speculation.

Despite the rumors, both Streep and Short have maintained that they are just good friends. A representative for Short previously told PEOPLE that the pair are "just very good friends, nothing more."

Short himself addressed the speculation on Bill Maher’s podcast, stating, "We are not a couple, we are just very close friends."

Short also mentioned in a podcast earlier this year that fan interest in his relationship with Streep is understandable given their on-screen chemistry and the nature of show business relationships.

"It’s always interesting. Show business relationships and spec," he said.

At the Emmys, Streep and Short were among the nominees for their roles in 'Only Murders in the Building', which received eight nominations in various categories.

Both Short and his co-star Steve Martin were nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series category.

Streep received a nod for supporting actress, while other cast members like Selena Gomez, Paul Rudd, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Matthew Broderick also received nominations.

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.