Hard Quiz host Tom Gleeson found himself at a loss for words during Wednesday night's episode when a contestant's unexpected answer created an awkward moment that stunned the studio audience.
The Controversial Moment
The incident occurred when Gleeson posed what seemed like a straightforward question about the 2010 film The Social Network. 'The Social Network opens with Mark Zuckerberg getting dumped by his girlfriend who tells him that if girls don't like him, it's because he's an a***hole, not because he's a what?' Gleeson asked the four-person panel.
Contestant Mike immediately buzzed in with his response: 'Jew?' His answer was met with audible groans from the studio audience and an immediate 'incorrect' from a giggling Gleeson, who quickly attempted to move past the uncomfortable moment.
Aftermath and Viewer Reaction
As an awkward silence descended upon the studio, Gleeson urged other contestants to buzz in with the correct answer, stating: 'Quick, someone fill the awkward silence.' When no further answers were forthcoming, the host revealed that the correct response was 'Nerd'.
Mike attempted to defend himself by protesting 'It was just a guess,' to which Gleeson dryly responded: 'Yes, it was just a guess.'
The exchange quickly generated significant discussion on social media platforms, with one viewer posting to X: 'Absolutely wild stuff on Hard Quiz tonight.' Another expressed disbelief, writing: 'Oh my god, the actual answer was so obvious and that was all he could come up with?'
A third viewer predicted consequences for the national broadcaster, stating: 'ABC Ombudsman complaints inbox will be filling up after that one.'
Gleeson's History of Controversial Moments
This isn't the first time Tom Gleeson has found himself at the centre of television controversy. In August, the Gold Logie winner used his stage time at the prestigious awards ceremony to deliver a savage swipe at Channel Seven.
While presenting alongside MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow, Gleeson launched into an X-rated tirade against the network, accusing it of favouring its own talent during awards season.
'You are not going to win because you are not on Channel Seven,' he quipped. 'That is how it works. Channel Seven are giving out awards to themselves – it's like they've invited us to their house so we can watch them have a w**k.'
According to fellow comedian Dave Hughes, Logies producers were less than pleased with Gleeson's decision to go off-script with the graphic joke. 'Neither did Tom Gleeson. He had all these jokes on the autocue that he didn't use and just started slagging off Channel Seven,' Hughes explained on The Fox's Fifi, Fev & Nick. 'It was funny and it was graphic, but it wasn't on the autocue and they weren't too happy.'
