During the 98th Academy Awards, host Conan O’Brien made headlines with a provocative joke linking high-profile British political figures to the scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein. O’Brien’s comment came as part of his opening monologue on February 23, 2026, where he primarily focused on humor related to the entertainment industry, steering clear of overtly political topics.
O’Brien’s monologue included light-hearted jabs at notable figures such as Ted Sarandos, CEO of Netflix, and actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. However, he pivoted to the Epstein controversy with a pointed remark regarding the absence of British nominees in the best actor and best actress categories.
“It’s the first time since 2012 that there are no British actors nominated for best actor or best actress,” O’Brien stated, before adding a quip about the recent arrests of British officials linked to Epstein, suggesting that there had been a lack of similar actions in the United States. The audience responded with a mix of applause and silence, highlighting the tension of the subject matter.
The joke referenced ongoing investigations that had led to the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. A statement from the Thames Valley Police indicated that searches were being conducted in both Berkshire and Norfolk, emphasizing the seriousness of the ongoing inquiry.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence,” the police statement noted. The man arrested was not named in accordance with national guidelines, but the case has drawn significant public interest, prompting law enforcement to assure updates would be provided when appropriate.
In a separate incident on the same day, influential British politician Peter Mandelson, a former ambassador to the United States, was also arrested in connection with the investigation. Reports from London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that he was taken into custody for questioning at a police station in the city.
O’Brien’s monologue, while predominantly focused on humor, reflects the interplay between entertainment and serious societal issues. The joke about Epstein serves as a reminder of the broader implications of the ongoing investigations into elite connections and public accountability, even within the celebratory context of the Oscars.
As the evening progressed, O’Brien continued to engage the audience with his characteristic wit, ensuring that while the jokes may touch upon serious subjects, the entertainment value remained at the forefront of the ceremony.
