Source: Roy Rochlin / Getty / Roy Wood Jr.
CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper has become a hit with viewers due to the drunk shenanigans they partake in during the show, but comedian Roy Wood Jr. wanted no part of the action.
The former Daily Show correspondent, now host of Have I Got News For You, appeared on the New Year’s Eve show alongside his co-stars Michael Ian Black and Amber Ruffin and hilariously turned down a tequila drink from Cohen.
“Oh, no!” Wood Jr. told Cohen while Black and Ruffin agreed to the tequila shot offer. “No, I don’t. The last Black man that drank on this network got fired. I’m going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability.”
Cohen and Cooper ignored Wood Jr.’s hilarious response as the Watch What Happens Live host poured Black and Ruffin shots.
Roy Wood Jr. refused tequila shot on #CNNNYE: “The Last Black Man To Drink On This Network Got Fired” pic.twitter.com/X9DeQG5gPm
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 1, 2025
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We All Knew He Was Referring To Don Lemon
Wood Jr.’s well-timed joke alludes to Don Lemon’s tenure with the news network. During his 17 years with the networks, Lemon became popular for getting drunk while hosting New Year’s Eve coverage. Lemon and CNN parted ways in 2023.
“I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play,” Lemon told his followers. “With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best.”
It sounds like CNN needs to add Roy Wood Jr. to New Year’s Eve Live show permanently.
