Los Angeles, California – Actress Jamie Lee Curtis has once again come to the defense of Ariana DeBose, this time in response to a joke made at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards. During the awards ceremony, presenters Bella Ramsey and Anthony Ramos made a comment about actors who also think they are singers, including DeBose among the nominees. The camera cut to DeBose, who appeared unamused by the categorization.
DeBose, a Tony Award nominee and the Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actress, won for her role in “West Side Story,” directed by Steven Spielberg. Given her singing and dancing prowess in the film, some viewers and fans found the joke tasteless. It was later clarified that Ramsey was simply reading from a teleprompter. Ramos, who had worked with DeBose on Broadway in “Hamilton,” was also present at the time of the comment.
In support of DeBose, Curtis took to Instagram and posted a clip of Ramsey’s joke followed by footage of DeBose showcasing her singing abilities. Curtis vehemently defended DeBose in the post, criticizing those who had made the joke and praising DeBose’s talent. This is not the first time Curtis has stood up for DeBose. After DeBose’s controversial rap during the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards, Curtis expressed her support for the actress, describing her as incredibly talented.
Curtis’s defense of DeBose has sparked a discussion about the boundaries of humor and the importance of recognizing performers’ multifaceted talents. The incident at the Critics Choice Awards serves as a reminder of the impact of careless remarks and the need for sensitivity in public forums. As DeBose continues to excel in her career, it is evident that her supporters, including Curtis, have no intention of letting derogatory comments go unchallenged.
The controversy surrounding the joke highlights the power of social media in amplifying and shaping public opinion. The swift response from Curtis and the support DeBose received from her fans online demonstrate the solidarity within the entertainment industry and the potential consequences for those who underestimate the talent of others. DeBose’s rise to fame and her subsequent recognition at major award shows represent a significant achievement for the actress and a testament to her remarkable abilities.
As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how the incident at the Critics Choice Awards will impact future award ceremonies and the treatment of performers who excel in multiple artistic disciplines. However, one thing is clear: the defense of artists like DeBose by influential figures like Jamie Lee Curtis resonates with audiences and encourages a more inclusive and supportive environment in the entertainment industry.