On social media, many viewers were stunned as Conan O’Brien took a jab at Drake and Kendrick Lamar with a bold Oscars joke.
The 97th Academy Awards took place on March 3, with Conan O’Brien hosting for the first time.
The late-night talk show host wasted no time delivering a sharp-witted opening skit. However, his most controversial remark came midway through the ceremony.
Conan O’Brien references Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance
During the “halftime” of the Oscars, O’Brien made a bold joke referencing Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s ongoing feud.
He quipped, “Well, we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.”
The audience reacted with mixed responses.
Some found it hilarious, while others thought it was too far. Social media quickly erupted with discussions about the remark.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl diss at Drake
On February 9, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles faced off in Super Bowl LIX.
However, the real star of the night was Kendrick Lamar. His halftime performance was filled with symbolism and hidden messages.
Lamar performed his track “Not Like Us,” a diss aimed at Drake. The song originally contained a reference to Drake as a “pedophile.” To avoid legal trouble, Lamar removed the controversial word during the performance.
However, he still hinted at the dispute, joking, “I want to perform their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.”
Social media reacts to O’Brien’s joke
On social media, many viewers were stunned after O’Brien’s jab at Drake, while others also had strong opinions about the incident.
One person said: It’s a good joke. It’s funny and true
A second wrote: It’s OK. He’s “lawyer’d up”.
While a third commented: Drake getting roasted at the Oscars, Grammys, AND Super Bowl?
Another user added: This is hilarious.
Someone else said: hahah drake aint never going to be left alone in 2025
Why is he going after Kendrick being from Compton and all surely the only target here should be on Drake. Another added.
Kendrick Lamar’s message to Drake
Lamar’s Super Bowl performance had more than just lyrics aimed at Drake. He also brought out tennis star Serena Williams. This move stirred controversy, given past rumors about Williams and Drake.
Drake previously mentioned Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, in his 2022 album *Her Loss*. In the song “Middle of the Ocean,” he rapped, “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie.”
Ohanian responded on Twitter, standing by his wife. In response, Lamar included a pointed lyric in *Not Like Us*: “Better not speak on Serena.”
Lamar’s performance ended with a dramatic display. The audience spelled out “GAME OVER” in the stands, seemingly taking a final shot at Drake.
With O’Brien’s joke adding fuel to the fire, the rivalry between Drake and Lamar continues to dominate pop culture discussions.