Critics’ Choice Awards’ Chelsea Handler’s edgiest jokes

The 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards, scheduled for January 4, might be emceed by Chelsea Handler, marking her fourth consecutive yr internet hosting the event.

In a press release ahead of the event, she expressed, “Kicking off the yr with the Critics’ Choice Awards feels proper — nothing says ‘new beginnings’ like a room full of critics able to let you know how you probably did last yr.”

The comedian is renowned for her sharp humor that often targets celebrities and current events.

Chelsea’s jokes have been polarizing audiences since the beginning of her career.

Here are some of her most contentious remarks.

In 2014, Chelsea hosted a late-night show on E! titled Chelsea Lately. During one episode that year, her sidekick Chuy Bravo appeared in a Hitler costume.

When questioned about his attire, he explained it was because Germany had just won the World Cup. Chelsea and her panelists made light of the costume, with one panelist quipping, “I’m a Jew, however I’m still glad Germany received. It’s good for them to have one thing gold that they did not pry out of my grandfather’s mouth.”

The Anti-Defamation League condemned Chelsea and her show for the segment, labeling it “tasteless and offensive.”

Chelsea posted an Instagram photograph in 2015 displaying a destroyed pomegranate. Her caption read, “It’s not possible to get pleasure from consuming a pomegranate when the end result is this. #miscarriage. #cleaningupforyourcleaninglady.”

Making matters worse, she shared this controversial post on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Online users criticized her heavily, leading to the eventual removal of the miscarriage hashtag.

Chelsea addressed the criticism by sharing a picture of her dog with this caption, “There’s a factor called national miscarriage day???? I’m just studying about myself on-line. I didn’t take away a hashtag. My assistant does that after I do one thing unhealthy. Me having a pomegranate and toddler loss should not immediately associated. Jesus. Love, chunk.”

When Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt revealed their divorce in 2016, Chelsea weighed in on Twitter about potential custody arrangements.

“Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt…he desires the China; she desires Pax and Maddox. #sorrycouldnthelpmyself,” she tweeted. The couple had adopted Pax and Maddox from Vietnam and Cambodia respectively.

Users condemned Chelsea’s remark, with many labeling it racist. Others noted that Chelsea maintained a friendship with Jennifer Aniston, Brad’s ex-wife whom he left for Angelina.

When Nick Cannon revealed plans for a stand-up tour, Chelsea had her personal tackle the announcement. “I just heard Nick Cannon is beginning a comedy tour. Who’s going to do the comedy?” she tweeted.

This sparked a bitter exchange between the two celebrities, with Chelsea potentially crossing the line with what appeared to be a racially charged remark. She shared an image of grape juice online, writing, “@nickcannon pls drink this before you tweet me again.”

During the 2014 Academy Awards ceremony, the Huffington Post made the decision to allow Chelsea to take control of their Twitter account. She posted several divisive tweets targeting Lupita Nyong’o, Sidney Poitier, Tyler Perry, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Her most inflammatory post came after 12 Years a Slave claimed the Best Picture award. She shared a photo of her book Uganda Be Kidding Me and posted, “Congratulations #12yearsaslave go to Africa or purchase #ugandabekiddingme.”

The Huffington Post subsequently issued a statement clarifying that “the views [expressed by Handler] should not ours.”