Seth Rogen didn't hold back in calling out the organisers of the Emmys for apparently ignoring COVID-19 safety protocols while presenting the evening's first award.
The comedian delivered the roast in his trademark jovial style, however the message behind his jokes questioning the lack of masks and ventilation at the event appeared serious, with many echoing his sentiments online.
"Let me start by saying there is way too many of us in this little room," Rogen said during his speech.
"What are we doing? They said this was outdoors. It is not. They lied to us," he said incredulously.
The 73rd Emmy Awards ceremony, which took place on Sunday (US time), was held in what's been described as a "decorative tent" by the Los Angeles Times, situated on LA Live's 'event deck', just outside the usual venue, the Microsoft Theatre.
"We're in a hermetically sealed tent right now. I would not have come to this. Why is there a roof? It's more important that we have three chandeliers than to make sure we don't kill (Schitt's Creek star) Eugene Levy tonight. That has been decided."
"This is insane," Rogen quipped. "I went from wiping groceries to having (WandaVision star) Paul Bettany sneeze in my face."
Rogen's rant apparently prompted the evening's DJ, Reggie Watts, to chime in, declaring the event was "absolutely following all the health and safety guidelines" before the show cut to commercial break.
Los Angeles public health guidelines state masks are mandatory at all indoor public settings and gatherings, regardless of their vaccination status.
While none of the celebrity guests in the audience nor on stage appeared to be wearing a mask, the Television Academy stated on their website the new pandemic-friendly venue was a "more flexible environment, inside a fully air-conditioned tent" that would "allow for more socially-distanced audience seating".
The website also stated that proof of full vaccination was required by all attendees, who were also required to show proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test in order to be admitted to the ceremony.
Online commenters also hit out at the Emmys for apparently flouting the rules, venting their frustrations on Twitter.
"Just a reminder that the celebrities at the Emmy Awards are better than you, your children, and the support staff at the show, because they don't have to wear masks and you do," one tweet read.
"Why did none of the celebrities at the Emmys have to wear masks indoors but all kids ages two and older have to wear them in preschool and school in Los Angeles?" said another.
"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?" one Twitter user wrote.
"No Masks at the #Emmys because rules are for the little people," a fourth offered.
