John Oliver Curses Out Emmys as He Eulogizes His Dead Dog: ‘Play Me Off Now!’

Dead pets made headlines this week thanks to former President Donald Trump’s bogus claim that Haitian immigrants were “ eating the dogs ” in Springfield, Ohio. At the Emmys on Sunday, John Oliver provided the perfect counter-programming as he eulogized his dog while accepting the trophy for Outstanding Scripted Variety Series for Last Week Tonight .

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“We had the most fantastic dog. She was at my wedding. She got us through a pandemic. She was with us through two pregnancies,” Oliver started before the infamous play-off music tried to shoo him off stage. “Perfect choice of music! We had to say goodbye to her.”

Oliver then pointed at the music director, yelling a bleeped, “Fuck you!”

“I feel like Sarah McLachlan right now,” Oliver joked, referring to the singer-songwriter’s often-played, tear-jerking animal cruelty commercial. “She was an amazing dog, and this isn’t just for her. It’s for all dogs! All dogs. You’re very good girls, very good boys. You all deserve a treat.”

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He wrapped his speech amid claps and directed the Emmys to “play me off now!”

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver won against Saturday Night Live (the only other nominee) after winning the trophy for the first time at January’s delayed 2023 awards show. Last Week Tonight is in its 11th season, and has won 30 Emmys through its entire run.

“I would like to thank HBO for not canceling us over the last decade. That was never a guarantee. I appreciate it. Please carry on!” he said earlier in his speech.

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