When it’s New Year’s Eve and the drinks are flowing on a live television show, anything can happen. Just ask Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, whose New Year’s Eve Live celebration on CNN is known for being, well, lively. On this year’s show, electronic DJ and producer Diplo’s admission that he was tripping on acid was just one of the “highlights” people are still talking about.
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Well, comedian and host of 2024's The Root 100 gala Roy Wood Jr. was not trying to get caught out there saying or doing something that would jeopardize his good Black job at CNN, which is why he chose to keep it demure while on camera during the December 31 celebration.
At the beginning of the broadcast, hosts Cohen and Cooper said they would take a shot of tequila at the top of every hour. And while they were able to get some of their guests to join in on their fun, Roy Wood Jr. took a hard pass when the pair offered to share their spirits with him and his “Have I Got News For You” costars Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black.
“Oh, no. No, no, I don’t. The last Black man that drank on this network got fired,” he said. “I’m going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability.”
Watch the moment here:
Although he never mentioned him by name, we have to assume that Wood Jr. was referring to former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who was let go from the network in April of 2023. Lemon was also known for being a part of CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage, famously getting his ear pierced during the show in 2016.
The social media reactions to Roy Wood Jr’s decision not to drink were priceless, with most people believing he did the right thing by choosing to stay sober and keep his job.
“They offered Roy a shot of tequila and he gave them a shot of TRUTH SERUM instead,” wrote one person on X.
Other commenters pointed out that Anderson Cooper looked a little uncomfortable with Roy’s remarks.
“Amber being the only one to laugh while they were straight faced makes it golden,” wrote someone on X.
We’re not sure if Wood Jr. took a shot off camera, but we’re glad he kept it cute on air.
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