Why was Seth Rogen banned from the Emmys?

Comedian Seth Rogen was allegedly banned from presenting at the Emmys after he criticized the event's COVID-19 safety protocols in 2021, calling it a "hermetically sealed tent" despite being advertised as an outdoor event.

When did Seth Rogen win his first Emmy?

Despite the alleged Emmys ban, Seth Rogen went on to win his first Emmy award in 2025 for his work on a popular TV series. In his acceptance speech, he expressed surprise, saying he had "never won anything" in his life.

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Comedian Banned from Emmys After Criticizing COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Q: What did Seth Rogen say about the Emmys COVID-19 safety?

During his 2021 Emmys appearance, Rogen went off-script and said there were "way too many of us in this little room" and that the event was not actually outdoors as advertised, but rather a "hermetically sealed tent."

7 Oct

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Summary

Comedian Seth Rogen claims he was banned from presenting at the Emmys after criticizing the event's COVID-19 safety measures in 2021
Rogen went off-script and called out the event for being held in a "hermetically sealed tent" despite being advertised as an outdoor event
Emmys producers were "outwardly pissed off" after Rogen's comments, leading to his alleged ban from the show

Comedian Banned from Emmys After Criticizing COVID-19 Safety Protocols

According to a recent interview, comedian Seth Rogen believes he was banned from presenting at the Emmys after criticizing the event's COVID-19 safety measures in 2021. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in October 2025, Rogen recalled going off-script when he took the stage at the 2021 Emmys, saying there were "way too many of us in this little room" and that the event was not actually outdoors as advertised, but rather a "hermetically sealed tent."