Jack Whitehall Receives Legal Warning Over Trump Jokes Ahead of Brit Awards 2026
Comedian Jack Whitehall, set to host The Brit Awards 2026 for the sixth consecutive year, has disclosed that he was issued a formal warning about making jokes targeting former US President Donald Trump. The 37-year-old presenter, known for his sharp and often controversial humour, shared this revelation during recent media appearances, highlighting the delicate balance he must strike as the ceremony's host.
American Stars and Script Interference
Whitehall explained that American celebrities have frequently taken issue with his punchlines, leading to significant script alterations. He recounted an incident involving musician Jared Leto, who reportedly deleted Whitehall's prepared introduction and replaced it with self-praising content. "He was deleting what I'd written in and was replacing it with some guff about him being the biggest rockstar on the planet," Whitehall remarked, illustrating the tensions behind the scenes.
To circumvent such interference, Whitehall has adopted a strategy of using a decoy script during rehearsals. "I do a fake script now in the rehearsals. They get a fake one, and so I loosely read out compliments about everyone," he said, adding that the real script is only revealed on the night of the event. This tactic allows him to maintain creative control while avoiding pre-emptive objections from performers.
Legal Concerns and Preventive Measures
The warning about Donald Trump came directly from ITV's legal team, who forwarded an email to Whitehall cautioning that the former president is "very litigious." This preventive measure underscores the potential legal risks associated with political humour in high-profile broadcasts. Whitehall noted that such warnings are part of a broader pattern of complaints and adjustments he faces each year.
In addition to the Trump-related caution, Whitehall revealed that Harry Styles' team rejected a joke idea involving a fantasy scenario where Whitehall shaves Styles after finding him living in a hut. "That got a hard no from his team," he admitted, showcasing the collaborative yet often restrictive nature of working with celebrity entourages.
Historical Controversies and Hosting Challenges
Whitehall's tenure as Brit Awards host has been marked by previous controversies, including jokes about P Diddy that sparked backlash and Ofcom complaints over remarks about Little Mix in 2019. His fearless approach to comedy has made him a polarising figure, but he remains undeterred, describing a "graveyard of jokes" that have been vetoed by American stars over the years.
The 2026 ceremony, held in Manchester for the first time in its history, features a lineup including performers like Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Mark Ronson, and Raye. A special tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, led by Robbie Williams, is also scheduled. The event will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, promising a night of music and, inevitably, some carefully vetted humour from its host.
