Emmys 2019: Comedian Thomas Lennon slammed for tone-deaf comment describing Chernobyl as a 'little nuclear disaster'
'Chernobyl' won the award for outstanding limited series at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards and people believed that the show deserved it. While the cast and audience were celebrating the win, the internet was not too happy with the choice of words that presenter Thomas Lennon chose to introduce the show at the awards. During this commentary, the actor referred to the Chernobyl incident as "Chernobyl was the little nuclear disaster that could" and fans were taken aback by the insensitive remark he made at the cost of a joke.
"Chernobyl, the little nuclear disaster that could” —seriously, Thomas Lennon????? #Emmys" wrote one user. Others suggested that he wasn't the best choice for commentary during the award show. "so we are going hostless at the #Emmys but must listen to inane asinine comments by Thomas Lennon, the latest of which referred to "Chernobyl" exploding at these Emmys?!?? Really? ugh...Alexa is a better idea at this point," read another comment.
A user echoed similar thoughts and stated that the remarks on Chernobyl were unthoughtful. "I don't know why Thomas Lennon is doing commentary at the #Emmys2019 but he just referred to Chernobyl as "the little nuclear disaster that could" & if you laughed you're going to hell," noted the user.
Another added, "Chernobyl - the little nuclear disaster that could.” @FOXTV and @TheEmmys??? Most tone-deaf, unfunny television awards show ever #TheEmmys #Emmys #Emmys2019." Others noted how the jokes made by Thomas were not funny and needed to be addressed.
"@TheEmmysThe comedic commentary tonight by Thomas Lennon is not funny... in fact at times it is offensive. Case in point: Chernobyl. Make it stop.," read the comment. However, comments on Chernobyl were not the only ones that were disliked by the audience. The actor also made remarks after Patricia Arquette's speech which did not sit well with the audience.
"Thomas Lennon making cringe-worthy comments about the Emmy winners as they walk to the stage is not funny. Especially after Patricia Arquette pays tribute to her sister Alexis Arquette and advocates for trans rights," wrote another user.