Comedian Wanda Sykes shocked viewers when she made a blunt remark about Jenna Bush Hager’s hosting skills during a live segment on Today with Jenna & Friends. While discussing her experience co-hosting the 2022 Oscars with Regina Hall and Amy Schumer, Sykes didn’t hold back her thoughts—leaving Bush Hager visibly stunned. Did she mean it as a joke, or was there some truth behind her words? Here’s everything you need to know about the on-air moment that had audiences talking!
Wanda Sykes Takes a Jab at Jenna Bush Hager on Live TV
Wanda Sykes is known for her sharp wit and unfiltered humor, but even for her, this latest moment was unexpectedly savage. During a recent appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, Sykes sat down with host Jenna Bush Hager and fellow comedian Regina Hall to reflect on their time co-hosting the 2022 Academy Awards.
What started as a lighthearted discussion quickly took an unexpected turn when Bush Hager asked Sykes whether she would ever consider hosting the Oscars again.
“I was saying to Regina, y’all were so good. You were excellent with Amy Schumer too, would you do it again?” Bush Hager inquired.
Rather than giving a straightforward response, Sykes responded with a brutally candid remark that instantly shifted the mood in the room.
“Um, you know they say never say never,” Sykes began, pausing for effect. “I don’t know, I guess you would ask Will Smith if he would ever slap somebody again… Yeah, maybe.”
The comment, an obvious reference to the infamous Will Smith and Chris Rock incident at the 2022 Oscars, left Bush Hager visibly stunned. Covering her face with her hands, she let out a surprised laugh, as did Regina Hall.
Wanda Sykes Still Feels ‘Traumatized’ by the Oscars Incident
While her remark might have seemed like a quick joke, it was clear that Sykes still harbors strong feelings about what went down at the 2022 Oscars. That night, she, Regina Hall, and Amy Schumer were tasked with hosting the prestigious event—a gig that quickly turned chaotic when Will Smith walked on stage and slapped Chris Rock over a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith.
The shocking moment became one of the most talked-about controversies in Oscar history. Even after Smith was banned from the Academy Awards for 10 years, Sykes made it clear that she wasn’t over the incident.
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Shortly after the awards ceremony, she spoke about her reaction to the slap during a stand-up performance in Orlando, describing how she felt watching Smith remain at the event.
“I was still traumatized,” Sykes admitted to the audience. “I can’t talk about it. I get emotional.”
She went even further, criticizing the Academy for allowing Smith to stay and accept his Best Actor award for King Richard.
“I couldn’t believe he was still sitting there, like an asshole,” she said bluntly. “Shouldn’t you be sitting there with a lawyer or LAPD, motherf***er?”
Sykes’ latest remark on Today with Jenna & Friends suggests that the incident is still fresh in her mind. While it was said in jest, her comment carried an undertone of genuine frustration over what happened that night.
Regina Hall Has a Different Take on Their Oscars Experience
While Wanda Sykes appeared hesitant about ever returning as an Oscars host, Regina Hall had a different perspective.
Reflecting on the experience, Hall spoke fondly about their time hosting the ceremony, despite the unexpected chaos.
“I don’t know,” she said. “I think it was such a whirlwind. I will say this—we did have fun.”
Hall recalled how the trio spent weeks preparing for the show, brainstorming comedic bits and ways to entertain the audience. Even when the night took an unpredictable turn, she emphasized that she still cherished the experience.
“Before, we were really coming up with ideas, and once it was happening, we were having a lot of fun,” Hall added.
Her words painted a stark contrast to Sykes’ lingering frustrations, suggesting that while the slap overshadowed parts of the night, there were still positive moments to remember.
Will Wanda Sykes Host the Oscars Again?
Wanda Sykes’ sharp remark on Today with Jenna & Friends may have been a joke, but it highlighted her reluctance to ever take on the Oscars hosting gig again. Unlike Regina Hall, who looked back on the night with a sense of fun, Sykes still appears unsettled by what transpired.
While she didn’t give a definitive answer, her hesitation speaks volumes. Hosting Hollywood’s biggest night is no easy task, and after witnessing firsthand how quickly things can spiral out of control, Sykes may not be eager to step back into that role.
As for Jenna Bush Hager, she handled Sykes’ brutally honest humor with grace—even if the remark took her by surprise!
What do you think? Should Wanda Sykes give the Oscars another shot, or was one time enough? Let us know your thoughts!
