During the 98th Academy Awards held on February 23, 2026, host Conan O’Brien delivered a monologue that included a controversial joke connecting British political figures to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. While the comedian primarily focused on the entertainment industry, he briefly addressed the Epstein controversy, which has linked several prominent British elites to criminal investigations.
O’Brien’s monologue opened with humor directed at notable figures such as Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, and actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet. The host noted the absence of any British actors nominated for the best actor or best actress categories for the first time since 2012. This observation led him to quip about the ongoing investigations into British officials connected to Epstein, highlighting a stark contrast to the lack of similar arrests in the United States.
“It’s the first time since 2012, first time since 2012, that there are no British actors nominated for best actor or best actress,” O’Brien remarked, before adding the joke about the arrests of British figures. The audience responded with a lengthy applause that lasted for thirteen seconds, leaving O’Brien momentarily silent as he walked around the stage.
The investigation into Epstein’s connections has been extensive, with various British politicians under scrutiny. Following O’Brien’s comments, Thames Valley police released a statement confirming the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The police emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of their investigation and stated that they would not disclose the arrested individual’s name due to national guidance.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the police explained, “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.” The inquiry has drawn attention to the previous arrests of influential figures, such as Peter Mandelson, a former British politician and ambassador to the United States, who was detained at an address in Camden on the same day as the Oscars.
O’Brien’s monologue, while primarily comedic, reflected the ongoing public discourse surrounding Epstein’s connections to various high-profile figures. This blend of humor and serious topics kept audiences engaged, making the Oscars not just a celebration of cinema but also a platform for commentary on current events.
The reaction to O’Brien’s remarks underscores the intersection of entertainment and serious societal issues, illustrating how platforms like the Oscars can address significant topics while maintaining a light-hearted tone. The combination of laughter and applause highlighted the audience’s engagement with both the humor and the underlying serious implications of the jokes made during the prestigious event.
As the night progressed, O’Brien continued to entertain with his witty observations, ensuring that the 2026 Oscars remained a memorable showcase of talent and humor, even amidst serious discussions of misconduct and accountability.
