Succession writer Jesse Armstrong joked about King Charles III after winning Best Drama Series at the Emmy Awards last night [September 12].
The British creator and writer of the hit HBO TV series took a swipe at the monarchy during his acceptance speech at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, as actor Brian Cox told him: "Keep it royalist, keep it royalist."
Jesse's comments have provoked a backlash on social media - with many angry fans of the British Royal Family claiming the writer's comments were 'disgraceful' and 'obscene' in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's death last week, while others defended his right to free speech and applauded the star for sharing his opinions publicly.
Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 surrounded by her family on Thursday [September 8] and was succeeded by her eldest son and heir Prince Charles - now known as King Charles III.
The UK is now in a period of official mourning with her funeral due to take place on Monday 19 September and a number of events across the country have been cancelled out of respect for Britain's longest serving monarch's passing.
As Jesse and the cast of Succession accepted their Emmy on stage on Monday night, he referenced the recent news in his home country, telling the star-studded audience: "Big week for Succession. New king in the UK this week for us. Evidently a little more voting involved in our winning than Prince Charles."
While the crowd awkwardly reacted to the quip, actor Brian Cox - who plays the Rupert Murdoch-inspired Logan Roy on Succession - told his writer and producer: "Keep it royalist, keep it royalist!"
Following the acceptance speech going viral online, many have shared their reaction to Jesse's joke - with one angry fan of the royals taking to Twitter to write: "That the Emmy's ignored the Queen's death was disgraceful considering she's been honoured, even at sports venues, worldwide.
"But the sleazy, snotty joke by Succession Producer Jesse Armstrong, that his show got more votes than Charles (to become King) was obscene. Censure him!"
Another Twitter user accused Jesse of 'ruining' the awards ceremony with his 'stupid' comments about the United Kingdom's new monarch, amid the nation's grief following the death of the new King's mother.
However, many took to the social media to praise the outspoken star, with one fan writing: "Brian Cox and Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and using their 45 second platform at the Emmys to s*** on the monarchy. KINGS."
"So f***ing funny that Jesse Armstrong got on stage, expressed anti-monarchist sentiments, thanked NOBODY except HBO, giggled and left! Absolute icon," another declared, as a third quipped: "Jesse Armstrong using his time to take shots at the monarchy is why he’s the goat."
Times Radio presenter Stig Abell referenced the recent arrests of anti-royalists this week when giving his verdict on Jesse's speech, tweeting: "Interestingly, if Jesse Armstrong wrote this joke on a piece of paper, and stood on a London street with it, he would be arrested."
There have been several arrests since King Charles III became monarch last week, while protesters were moved on in London, Scotland and Oxford. Campaign groups have warned that some of the arrests may be unlawful.
On Monday [September 11], a woman was arrested after a protester was seen holding an anti-monarchist sign ahead of the Accession Proclamation of the King in Edinburgh.
Thousands of people had gathered in the city ahead of the arrival of the Queen’s cortege - but some joined the crowd with placards insulting the royal family. Officers appeared behind the demonstrator and took her away, prompting the crowd to applaud.
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "A 22-year-old woman was arrested outside St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Sunday 11 September, 2022 in connection with a breach of the peace."
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