The Golden Globes have ignited controversy once again, this time for their inaugural Best Podcast category that notably excludes Joe Rogan, host of the world’s most popular podcast.
TMZ founder Harvey Levin didn’t hold back his criticism of the snub during a recent episode of TMZ TV.
“Joe Rogan isn’t on it, which is the biggest podcast in the world,” Levin pointed out, also noting that popular podcaster Theo Von was similarly overlooked. Instead, nominees include Amy Poehler, Dax Shepard, and Jason Bateman, along with Call Her Daddy, Up First, and The Mel Robbins Podcast.
Levin pulled no punches in his assessment of the selection process: “What is the common thread here? Nobody’s a Republican. Nobody is to the right. It is a popularity contest with a bunch of left-wing, you know, chest beating.”
The TMZ boss acknowledged that while Joe Rogan is “a great podcaster,” regardless of one’s opinion of his views, the Golden Globes organization appeared to deliberately avoid controversy by excluding politically charged content.
“They did not choose any podcast that could be seen as political leaning either way,” he noted, pointing out that left-leaning Pod Save America, along with podcasts from Michelle Obama and Oprah, were also snubbed.
However, the controversy doesn’t end with political considerations. The nominees are all white, which raises additional questions for an organization that has spent years trying to overcome accusations of corruption and lack of diversity. As one observed, “Republicans and black people have podcast, too.”
Despite recognizing the snub, Levin dismissed the significance of awards altogether. “Who cares? The whole thing is ridiculous anyway,” he said, calling it simply “a popularity contest.”
The Joe Rogan Experience consistently ranks as the most-listened-to podcast globally, making his absence from the nominee list all the more glaring.
Hollywood now prepares for what they’re calling “the party of the year” at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
