Jerrod Carmichael immediately took aim at the Golden Globes following last year's racism row.
The comedian, 35, took to the stage at the 80th annual ceremony in Beverly Hills and told the audience to settle down.
As soon as there was silence, he jibed that the only reason he was tasked with hosting the event was because he was black.
He became the first black person to host the showcase and started his monologue by making cutting jokes about how last year's TV screening was cancelled due to controversy surrounding a lack of diversity in the voters.
His opening speech saw him announce: "I'll tell you why I'm here. I'm here because I'm black."
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Jerrod Carmichael opened the Golden Globes 2023 (NBC via Getty Images)He continued: "I’ll catch everyone in the room. The Golden Globe Awards did not air last year because the HFPA — which, I won’t say they were a racist organisation, but they didn’t have a single Black member until George Floyd died, so do with that information what you will…"
Describing being offered the role, he added: "I was at home, drinking tea, when I got a phone call from my man Stephen Hill. He said, ‘Jerrod, I’m producing the 80th Golden Globes and it would be an honour if you would agree to be the host.’
"I was like, ‘Whoa.’ One minute you’re making mint tea at home, and next you’re invited to be the Black face of an embattled white organisation. Life comes at you fast!'"
He continued: "I said, ‘Stephen, I’m torn. I’ll be honest with you: I’m only being asked to host this, I know, because I’m Black.’
"He said, ‘Let me stop you right there, Jerrod. You’re being asked to host this show because you’re talented. You’re being asked to host this show because you’re charming. You’re being asked to host this show because you’re one of the greatest comedians of a generation.'"
The audience broke out in a round of applause before the comedian stopped them it their tracks to add: "But Stephen’s Black, so what does he know? He’s only producing the show because he’s Black! They’re not gonna tell him why he’s here either!"
The comedian took aim at the diversity row that stopped the event being shown on TV last year (NBC via Getty Images)He also dropped in that he was earning a pretty penny for his stint as host, claiming he will earn $500,000 for his appearance.
Fans took to Twitter to air their thoughts on his opening speech, with one user writing: "#jerrodcarmichael slides em in slow and sly. You’re either with it or not. I’m with it. #GoldenGlobes2023"
Another added: "Damnn Jerrod Carmichael got this show by the throat thats hilarious he doesnt give af #GoldenGlobes"
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