Harry Styles Delivers Sharp Joke About Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on SNL After His Arrest Monologue Highlights Contrast Between Royal Scandal and Celebrity Quiet Period During his recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, Harry Styles made a pointed remark about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following the latter’s arrest last month. The 32-year-old musician, who returned to the NBC show for a second time after his latest album topped the charts, used the platform to critique the public’s reaction to Andrew’s legal troubles. Styles opened his monologue by reflecting on his time away from the spotlight, joking that his life had become “tremendously dull.” He contrasted this with Andrew’s recent downfall, suggesting that the royal’s quiet period was preferable to the chaos surrounding his friend Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged misconduct. “When compared to Andrew’s public decline in reputation, my absence feels almost peaceful,” Styles quipped, drawing a clear line between personal boredom and the scrutiny faced by the former prince. “I took up jogging. There’s nothing interesting about that. But because I’m me, people pretend to find that interesting. I don’t run to be interesting. I do it for the feeling it gives me, that runner’s high. It’s just amazing.” The host later mocked the politically correct trends in fan culture, addressing accusations of “queerbaiting” with a playful yet incisive take. “Queerbaiting is when you hint at same-sex relationships without confirming them, aiming to please both LGBTQ+ viewers and traditionalists,” he explained. Styles then wove in a humorous anecdote about his own solo album, Kiss All the Time, before joking about the practice itself. “Watermelon sugar high, runner’s high. And if that doesn’t do it for you, I also love ecstasy. As a British man who’s spent much of his life in the public eye, I can assure you—there’s something nice about being boring. It’s better than the alternative.” As Styles spoke, a visual of Andrew being transported in a police car after his arrest appeared on screen. The incident occurred on his 66th birthday, when he was taken into custody from his Wood Farm cottage on the Sandringham Estate. The arrest followed an investigation into his alleged provision of sensitive data to Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing tied to his association with the convicted pedophile. The comedian also targeted fans who labeled him as “queerbaiting,” referencing past criticism. “Back then, people seemed to focus heavily on the clothes I wore and called me out for something called ‘queerbaiting,’” he recalled. In a dramatic tone, he added: “But did it ever cross your mind that maybe you don’t know everything about me, Dad?” To wrap the segment, Styles embraced SNL castmate Ben Marshall in a cheeky kiss, then turned to the audience with a wink. “Now that’s queerbaiting,” he declared, referencing his new album title. The moment sparked a playful reaction from the crowd, with Chloe Fineman eagerly stepping forward, only to retreat in disappointment when Styles clarified his stance on the term. Later, as Styles joked about the benefits of a “tight little bum,” Sarah Sherman joined the stage. He then joked: “Sometimes kissing can be great—especially if you’re really good at it and a good person.” Marshall, catching the reference, responded with a grin: “Where’s my kiss?” Styles replied: “Come on, Ben—everyone knows there’s nothing little about that thang. You’re hauling a damn wagon back there.” With a final embrace, Styles and Marshall shared a kiss that left the audience in stitches, reinforcing the humor of the situation while keeping the spotlight on both the royal and the pop star’s witty commentary.
Oscars latest: Who should win – and what’s inside nominees’ unofficial £260k goodie bags
Oscars Countdown: Celebrities Arrive, Red Carpet Preparations Intensify As the Oscars ceremony kicks off, A-list stars such as Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan, Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emma Stone are making their way to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the event. Sky News is providing live coverage from Los Angeles, with updates streaming in as the night unfolds. Sky News Team Ready for the Red Carpet The Sky News team is now en route to the venue, preparing for the day’s proceedings. The on-camera arts and entertainment correspondent, Katie Spencer, is undergoing professional styling at the hotel before heading to her assigned position. The team will split up to monitor arrivals and later attend the Elton John afterparty. Oscars Transition to YouTube: A New Era Begins in 2029 Starting in 2029, the Oscars will shift from ABC to YouTube as part of a new partnership. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has secured exclusive global rights for the platform, which will broadcast the ceremony and related events like the Governors Ball. This change marks the first major shift in the event’s history, with YouTube set to reach over two billion users worldwide. Bill Kramer, Academy chief executive, and Lynette Howell Taylor, president, emphasized the significance of the deal: “We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round academy programming.” A Legacy on ABC: The Oscars’ Longstanding Home ABC has been the primary broadcaster of the Oscars since 1961, save for a brief period from 1971 to 1975 when NBC took over. The network’s final exclusive broadcast will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the event, offering a nostalgic send-off before the transition. For the 2023 ceremony, ABC recorded 19.7 million viewers, a five-year peak but still far below the 57 million audience in 1998. The shift to YouTube signals a bold move toward digital expansion, aligning with evolving viewer habits. Behind the Glamour: Stylists Prepare A-Listers At the hotel, hair stylist Melissa and make-up artist Naisha are finalizing looks for attendees. Melissa, who has worked with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande, is handling five clients today, with Katie Spencer as her first. “I consult about their outfits and desired style, then we collaborate on the final image,” Melissa explains. “For Katie, we’re going old-school Hollywood with waves and a classic, timeless vibe.” Naisha, a seasoned make-up artist with nearly a decade of experience, shares: “I love red carpet looks, but I prefer brown and smoky eyes for Katie. Black feels too heavy, and it’s still daylight out.” The pair notes that awards weekends often involve long hours, with multiple clients needing attention throughout the event. Gold Derby Predicts a Surprising Oscar Night Gold Derby, a long-standing authority in entertainment forecasting, highlights this year’s unpredictability. Editor-in-chief Debra Birnbaum admits: “Usually, by this point, the race feels settled. But this year is different—anything could happen.” With the awards season proving unusually competitive, Birnbaum expresses confidence in Jessie Buckley’s chances: “I feel reasonably certain about Buckley, but the entire landscape is up for grabs.” Gold Derby’s analysis estimates Buckley’s likelihood of winning at 96.97%, underscoring her strong position among acting nominees. The event promises to be a pivotal moment in cinematic recognition.



