Comedian Roy Wood Jr. turned heads during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast on December 31 by declining a tequila shot. The comedian referenced a past network controversy while joining Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, the event’s co-hosts, for the celebratory evening.
Wood Jr., alongside his Have I Got News for You costars Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black, participated in a segment of the annual live show. The hosts, known for their tradition of drinking throughout the night, invited the guests to join in. When Cohen offered a shot of tequila, Wood Jr., 46, declined with humor, saying, “The last Black man that drank on this network got fired. I’m going to keep it with water for now. I need some stability.”
The remark appeared to reference Don Lemon’s contentious exit from CNN. Lemon, a former New Year’s Eve Live correspondent, left the network in 2023 after 17 years. His departure followed several controversial on-air moments and culminated in a $24.5 million separation deal the next year.
Cohen and Cooper refrained from addressing Wood Jr.’s comment during the broadcast. Instead, Cohen shifted focus, asking Michael Ian Black if he was livestreaming on Instagram. Later, Wood Jr. shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter), quipping, “Not gone catch me slippin’ in the Deuce-Five.”
CNN has not publicly addressed Wood Jr.’s remark. Similarly, Wood Jr. has not clarified whether Lemon was the intended subject of his joke.
Cohen and Cooper’s on-air drinking antics have become a signature element of CNN’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. The tradition dates back to 2016 when Don Lemon made headlines for getting his ear pierced live on-air at a New Orleans bar. However, in 2021, the network imposed a brief alcohol ban after Cohen faced criticism for controversial comments made during the broadcast.
The restriction was lifted in 2023, with Cohen and Cooper returning to their spirited festivities but reportedly drinking “responsibly.” Despite the fun atmosphere, moments like Wood Jr.’s quip highlight the complex history of the network’s New Year’s Eve coverage.
In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, Don Lemon reflected on his departure from CNN, expressing regret about how things unfolded but acknowledging, “It is what it is.” While CNN has moved forward, the lasting impact of past controversies continues to shape moments like Wood Jr.’s witty response on-air.
