How Steve Martin Sparked a Debate With His Latest Social Media Post

Steve Martin

Even though Jo Koy has been widely criticized for his hosting job at the 2024 Golden Globes, Steve Martin is standing by his fellow comedian.

The actor, who has decades of experience in the comedy industry, recently spoke out on Threads to commend Koy for his effort in hosting the prestigious award show, even if others didn't find his jokes to be laugh-worthy.

Several of Koy's punchlines ended up falling flat at the show on Sunday, Jan. 7, but Martin seems to believe the epic fail has more to do with the difficulty of the gig, rather than the quality of Koy's jokes.

"I tip my hat to anyone who steps out on stage to host a live awards show," Martin wrote in his post. "It's a very difficult job and not for the squeamish. I know because I’m still throwing up from the last time I did it in 2010."

The Only Murders in the Building star continued, "So, Congratulations to Jo Koy, who took on the toughest gig in show business, hit, missed, was light on his feet, and now has twenty minutes of new material for his stand up!"

But internet users had mixed reactions to Martin's take, with many pointing out that Koy's jokes—which notably included digs at Greta Gerwig's Barbie and Taylor Swift—were more offensive than funny.

"I love you Steve, but Jo Koy was awful," one user replied on the social media platform, calling Koy's jokes "Misogynistic and sophomoric. ??."

"He used dated material and was tone deaf on what women are facing today," someone else added in part. "This isn't the 70s anymore."

Another user challenged the point Martin was trying to make by arguing, "Nah, the toughest gig is being a woman in show business or any business. [Koy] took the stage and highlighted that point. Demeaning & trivializing women deserves no congratulations."

"He was a good barometer of what does and doesn’t fly anymore. Such dated material. Women jokes are no longer tolerated. And never were funny," someone else chimed in.

"Typical. Men making excuses for another man's inexcusable behavior. Yawn," another user posted, seemingly unimpressed by Martin's take on the matter.

Following Koy's controversial performance at Sunday night's award show, the stand-up comedian has since addressed a few of his unfunny remarks, claiming that "Hosting is just a tough gig."

"I feel bad, but I got to still say I loved what I did," he added.

Next: 'The View' Co-Hosts Suggest People 'Get a Sense of Humor' While Defending Jo Koy