Jonathan Ross outraged viewers after his brutal comment about Matthew Perry at The Oscars.
ITV aired the Oscars for the first time on terrestrial TV, with Jonathan causing a divide among viewers as he hosted studio segments between awards being given out and numerous American ad breaks. However, it was his joke about the late Friends actor Matthew that really annoyed some people watching the British coverage of the Oscars.
The ‘In Memoriam’ part of the event began with a clip of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary Navalny. This was followed by a performance of Time To Say Goodbye, sung by Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo, where stars including Sir Michael Gambon, Harry Belafonte, Alan Arkin and British actor Julian Sands were honoured.
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Also remembered were Andre Braugher, Tom Wilkinson, Glynis Johns, Jane Birkin, Ryan O’Neal, Robbie Robertson, Carl Weathers, Glenda Jackson, William Friedkin and Tina Turner. But it was the tribute to Matthew that many were eagerly waiting for, especially after the BAFTAs overlooked the late actor in London last month.
(Image: ITV)
Jonathan Ross, the host for ITV’s Oscars coverage, paid a heartfelt tribute to the lost stars of cinema, following the In Memoriam segment. He stated: “Welcome back. A touching tribute from the Academy there of some incredible performers and filmmakers sadly no longer with us. Always a sombre moment.”
He then added: “It was nice to see Matthew Perry included, even though he’s not primarily known for his work in cinema, they probably could have done it without him.”
One fuming Twitter user didn’t mince their words writing: “Jonathan ross’ comment on matthew perry was so f***ing unnecessary, what the f***,” as another added: “Totally sick of ross and his chums now. Get this over with,” The Mirror reported.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A third blasted the ITV coverage in general, venting: “The biggest loser tonight is us Brits who have to listen to Jonathan Ross in the break. All these ITV lot have no idea what they’re talking about.”
Matthew Perry, mostly known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends, was also seen on the big screen several times in films including Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), Serving Sara (2002) and 17 Again (2009).
The Oscars’ touching tribute to Matthew comes just days after his ex-girlfriend and previous assistant, Kayti Edwards, told the Mirror that it was always his “dream” to be acknowledged at the prestigious ceremony.
(Image: ITV)
Kayti Edwards, the ex of Matthew Perry, has made a heartfelt plea to the big bosses. She doesn’t want them to forget him like the BAFTAs did, which made lots of fans sad.
She said: “I know that it would mean a lot for him to be honoured at the Oscars in some way. I remember chatting with him about how he always dreamed of being recognised, not just for Friends. He knew that Friends won lots of awards …but personally, I don’t think he got one.”
Matthew was in films like 17 Again with Zac Efron, The Whole Nine Yards and its sequel with Bruce Willis; Fools Rush In with Salma Hayek, and A Night In the Life of Jimmy Reardon with River Phoenix. He played Chandler Bing and passed away in October.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
