Seth Rogen Called Out The Emmys For Hosting A ‘COVID Safe’ Event In An Airtight Tent
"What are we doing? They said this was outdoors. It’s not! They lied to us."
While presenting an award at today’s 2021 Emmys, Seth Rogen called out the event for its lack of ventilation and social distancing in the middle of a global pandemic.
The actor, ceramicist, and weed entrepreneur joined the Emmys stage to announce the best supporting actress in a comedy series, but kicked off his speech by noting how many people were crammed into the air-tight tent where the event was being held at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theatre.
“Anyway, good to be here at the Emmy Awards,” said Rogen. “Let me start by saying: there’s way too many of us in this little room. What are we doing? They said this was outdoors. It’s not! They lied to us.”
Rogen continued to call out the Emmys, suggesting that it was implied the event would be held outdoors — or at least somewhere with decent air circulation.
“We’re in a hermetically-sealed tent right now. I would not have come to this. Why is there a roof?” he said. “It’s more important that we have three chandeliers than that we make sure we don’t kill Eugene Levy tonight. That is what has been decided.”
me: why are the emmys in such a small room without masks and no ventilation during a pandemic
(30 seconds later)
seth rogen: why are we in such a small room without masks and no ventilation during a pandemic
— lenika ? (@lenikacruz) September 20, 2021
I appreciate Seth Rogen calling out the crowded indoor setting of the Emmys, both because I was thinking it and because it’s now funny to watch the show scramble to course correct the narrative.
— Caroline Siede (@CarolineSiede) September 20, 2021
All attendees at the 73rd annual Emmy Awards were required to show proof of vaccination and had to provide a negative COVID test result within 48 hours of the ceremony. However, as COVID cases continue to rise in the US, you can understand why attendees — celebrity and otherwise — may have felt uncomfortable being in such close proximity to others.
In an interview with Variety, TV Academy President Maury McIntyre said they were expecting “only about 500 people” to attend the awards.
“Fortunately, I think you are seeing a cessation of some of the virulence of the virus here in LA. We pray that it continues. It’s only about 500 in the tent, but 500 is still a lot for some people. So I think we all recognise that,” said McIntyre.
As always, in Seth Rogen we trust.