John Oliver took home the Emmy for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series on Sunday, continuing his long-running streak for Last Week Tonight. But it wasn’t just the win that caught viewers’ attention. Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second acceptance speech on live television.
John Oliver reacts after winning the award for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series for “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 14, 2025. (REUTERS) What did John Oliver say at the Emmys?
While the live broadcast muted parts of Oliver’s speech, social media quickly filled in the gaps.
According to one X (formerly Twitter) user, Oliver jokingly took aim at fellow comedian Nate Bargatze, who was also in attendance.
“F–k you Nate Bargatze, that is a lot of money for you – and you can add a f— to the swear jar as well,” he reportedly said.
HT.com could not independently verify this.
Also read: Emmy Awards 2025 full list of winners
Social media reactions
The unexpected censorship left many viewers confused and curious.
One person wrote on X, “So who’s gonna tell me what John Oliver said for them to cut his speech off of live tv because I need to know thanks guys please help.”
Another wrote, “I cannot wait to find out what John Oliver said that got censored.”
A third person added, “Why did they just out John Oliver twice? Did he swear or was it Palestine? He is quite politically vocal too so I’m wondering what’s going on.”
Another wrote, “Wait did CBS just cut parts of John Oliver’s acceptance speech or is the P+ stream just glitchy?”
Another commented, “What did John Oliver saaaaaaaaay?!?? How are you all getting uncensored speeches?!?! I wanna hear it ALL! Is this a scheme setup by TODD?!?”
Hannah Einbinder’s speech also censored
John Oliver wasn’t the only Emmy winner whose speech was censored on live TV. Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, who won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, also had part of her acceptance speech muted during the broadcast.
Toward the end of her speech, Einbinder gave a shout-out to her NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, before making a bold political statement that was bleeped out on air.
“Go Birds, f— ICE, and free Palestine,” Einbinder said.