Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Joke Sparks Controversy: A Defense of the Rap Feud Quip
In a moment that had the audience buzzing at the 2025 Oscars, Conan O’Brien, the ever-irreverent host, took a cheeky jab at the ongoing rivalry between rap titans Kendrick Lamar and Drake. With a quip that had everyone either laughing or raising eyebrows, O’Brien said, “We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile,” cleverly referencing Lamar’s scathing track “Not Like Us,” which had just bagged five Grammy Awards.
Skyler Higley, the writer behind this controversial line, sprang to O’Brien’s defense, insisting that the joke was not a serious call-out in the ongoing beef but rather a light-hearted nod to the cultural relevance of their feud. “The idea that it’s being taken as a real call-out or taking sides in any way in the beef is absurd,” Higley told TMZ just after the monologue aired. He further celebrated the joke’s reception on social media, claiming a $50 wager win from the executive producer for its success.
This playful banter comes on the heels of a heated moment in the rap world, particularly Lamar’s fiery Super Bowl halftime performance, where he threw shade at Drake, labeling him a “pedophile” and a “colonizer.” While critics might see this as a serious attack, it’s worth noting that humor often dances on the line of controversy—something O’Brien and his writers are no strangers to.
The backdrop of this comedic jab is a very real legal battle: Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group, his label, which he accused of promoting Lamar’s diss track without his consent. The legal wrangling reportedly reached a settlement in late February 2025, just days before the Oscars. While some may clutch their pearls at O’Brien’s words, it’s a reminder of how art—be it music or comedy—thrives on conflict, often transforming personal beefs into public spectacle. The fine line between jest and genuine conflict remains thin, but in the world of celebrity, it often serves as the lifeblood of entertainment.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, TMZ, The Associated Press
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