No one was spared from comedian Roy Wood Jr.’s blistering set at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. From President Joe Biden’s age and former President Donald Trump’s indictment to the Fox News’ recent settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, the “The Daily Show” correspondent served up a number of timely roasts.
The recent oustings of Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon were also fair game: “Yes, Don Lemon was a diva and he said a couple of women are raggedy in the face. But that’s a promotion at Fox News!” joked Wood.
Wood closed his set on a serious note by stressing the importance of journalism. “The issue with good media is that most people cannot afford that. All the essential fair and nuanced reporting is stuck behind a paywall.
“People can’t afford rent; people can’t afford food—not healthy food. They can’t afford an education. They damn sure can’t afford to pay for the truth. Say what you will about a conspiracy theory but at least it is affordable. Unless you’re Alex Jones—then it will cost you about $900 million,” joke Wood.
He also added, “People can’t afford the truth, but you all [journalists] can’t afford to find the truth for free.”
Wood’s understanding and appreciation for journalism may come from his late father Roy N. Wood Sr., a trailblazing radio pioneer, and civil rights journalist. The comedian paid homage to him as well as his mother Joyce Dugan Wood who protested for civil rights at Delta State University in the 1960s. Wood noted that without the work of local journalists, no one would’ve known about her efforts and the work of others who fought for freedom.
Watch Wood’s full remarks above courtesy of C-SPAN.
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