Yahoo Lifestyle Chelsea Handler Pokes Fun at Justin Baldoni and Ariana Grande's 'Munchkin' Boyfriend at 2025 Critics Choice Awards
Chelsea Handler kicked off the 2025 Critics Choice Awards with a joke acknowledging the politics of the moment before aiming jabs at some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Handler, 49, began her opening monologue with a short introduction. “I am your DEI host, Chelsea Handler,” she said, a reference to the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that began following the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
“I want to acknowledge that we’ve been through a lot lately—not just here in Los Angeles,” she said, a nod to the wildfires that raged through the area last month, “but our entire country. Waking up every day, not knowing what news we’re gonna hear that will disappoint or horrify us.”
The Chelsea Lately alum then offered a tongue-in-cheek message of thanks to Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who have been engaged in a sexual harassment lawsuit since late last year following their work on 2024’s It Ends With Us.
“That’s why I want to personally extend my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively,” Handler said as some people in the audience began to laugh. “Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I’m grateful. I think we’re all grateful, and I think we’re good. I think everybody in this room, no matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree to accept that there’s probably not going to be a sequel.”
Later in her opening monologue, Handler also made a pointed joke about former Disney Channel star Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, fellow actor Ethan Slater.
“It is so nice to see some of our most beloved child stars all grown up and thriving,” Handler said. “Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande are all nominated tonight. And now Ariana has even found love with a munchkin. That's good news, everybody.”
Earlier in the evening, Grande, 31, posed for photos solo while walking the red carpet upon her arrival at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Grande was nominated for one award in the Best Supporting Actress category at this year’s Critics Choice Awards for her role in the 2024 movie musical Wicked.
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