Family Guy Jokes About Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey in 2018 Emmy Campaign
Images via 20th Century Fox Television Comedy News Family Guy
Family Guy has never shied away from saying exactly what it means to say. After a series of horrific events involving Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and many others were revealed last fall, it’s no surprise that Family Guy’s creator Seth McFarlane would have some things to say. This year, as the television season comes to an end and Emmy consideration is being acknowledged, screeners are sent out and campaigns are started. For the 2018 Emmy awards season, Family Guy issued a most bold proclamation for its campaign. The screener shows Peter Griffin standing in front of the iconic Hollywood sign, saying, “We predicted Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein. Open DVD to see who’s next.” When the individual opens the DVD, it reveals a mirror, jokingly implying that “you” are the next suspect, as Deadline explains.
‘Family Guy’ takes on Harvey Weinstein & Kevin Spacey scandals in Emmy mailer: The show’s designated Emmy pitchman, Peter Griffin, is back on duty this year with another current events reference in his blunt message to voters. https://t.co/K4HMJ9rYmWpic.twitter.com/ro2KDyFAq1
— Yahoo Entertainment (@yahoo_enter) April 25, 2018
The screener joke is, of course, referring to two incidents in which McFarlane and company alluded to Weinstein and Spacey’s reputations for sexual misconduct. In season four of the show, there’s a brief gag in which Stewie runs through the mall naked, yelling for help and claiming he just escaped Spacey’s basement. Spacey was accused of sexual misconduct by several male House of Cards crew members, among others, and has scarcely been heard from since.
As for Weinstein, McFarlane made a joke about him while announcing the 2013 Oscar nominees with Emma Stone—McFarlane hosted the Oscars that year, as well. After the Best Supporting Actress nominees’ names were announced, he said, “Congratulations, you five ladies no longer have to pretend to be attracted to Harvey Weinstein.”
You can view the clips of both moments below.