Nate Bargatze Faces Backlash Over Emmys Donation Gimmick
In a bold move that sparked controversy, Emmys host Nate Bargatze found himself at the center of a backlash following his unique donation bit during the September 14 ceremony. The comedian aimed to tackle the perennial problem of long acceptance speeches by promising to deduct money from a $100,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Club of America for every second a winner went over the 45-second mark. While the intention was to inject fun into the proceedings, not everyone was amused.
During a recent episode of his podcast, “Natland,” Bargatze addressed the criticism head-on, acknowledging that many reviews were not kind to his charitable twist. “It came from a real place of heart,” he insisted, defending the segment as a lighthearted attempt to keep the show moving while raising funds for a worthy cause. Despite the backlash, Bargatze maintained that viewers at home enjoyed the spectacle, watching the donation amount fluctuate as winners either rushed through their speeches or took their time.
However, the night took an unexpected turn when the donation pot ended up in the red at $60,000. In a surprising gesture, Bargatze pledged an additional $250,000 from his own pocket, along with a further $100,000 from CBS, turning the tide in favor of the Boys and Girls Club. “I wasn’t planning to give that money at the end,” he admitted, revealing how the situation unfolded in real-time.
While the Boys and Girls Club expressed their gratitude for the unexpected windfall, Bargatze’s intentions were questioned. “I wasn’t trying to use the charity as a tool,” he clarified, emphasizing that he hoped to create a night filled with love and generosity. As the dust settles on this year’s Emmys, one thing is clear: Nate Bargatze’s hosting debut was anything but ordinary, leaving audiences talking long after the final credits rolled.
