Celebrities Clapped Back In Interviews

Barbara Walters made many pointed remarks about Dolly Parton's background and appearance in a 1977 interview.Walters made many pointed remarks.Walters made remarks about Dolly Parton's background and appearance that bordered on directly insulting her guest.Walters first brought up Parton's country upbringing:Dolly Parton grew up in Tennessee.

Walters asked Parton if she ever considered that.Walters asked Dolly, "where I come from, would I have called you a hillbilly?"

Parton said:Parton replied, "If you had… it would have been something very natural, but I probably would have kicked your shins or something [laughs]."

Walters said:Walters asked, "But when I think of hillbillies am I thinking of your kind of people?"

Even though Walters seemed to push Parton to call herself a hillbilly, Parton spoke highly of the community she grew up in, proudly describing what she called “country class.”

Walters then focused on Parton's figure, asking, “Did you look like this when you were a kid?… Is it all you?” When Parton answered the question smoothly, Walters remarked, “You don't have to look like this.” The country music queen replied:

Parton stated, "It's certainly a choice. I don't like to be like everybody else. I've often made the statement that I would never stoop so low as to be fashionable. That's the easiest thing in the world to do. So, I just decided that I would do something that would at least get the attention."

Parton continued, "Once they got past the shock of the ridiculous way I looked and all that, then they would see there was parts of me to be appreciated. I'm very real, where it counts, and that's inside… As far as my outlook on life and the way I care about people and the way I care about myself, and the things I care about, but I just chose to do this. Showbusiness is a money-making joke, and I just always like telling jokes…"

Parton considered that idea.She considered that.Parton responded:

Parton said, "I know they make fun of me. But actually, all these years that people, you know, have thought the joke was on me, but it's actually been on the public. I know exactly what I'm doing, and I can change it at any time. I make more jokes about myself than anybody…"

Parton asserted, "I am sure of myself as a person. I am sure of my talent. I'm sure of my love for life and that sort of thing. I'm very content. I like the kind of person that I am. So, I can afford to piddle around and do-diddle around with makeups and clothes and stuff, because I am secure with myself."

Matt Damon and his mother Nancy Carlsson-Paige (a schoolteacher) attended the 2011 Save Our Schools rally in Washington, DC, to show support for the public education system. When Reason.TV The reporter asked.Michelle Fields.Fields interviewed Damon and Carlsson-Paige, suggesting teachers should face the same performance pressure as actors when seeking roles.Damon defended educators.

Fields said:Fields asked, "In acting, there isn't job security, right? There's an incentive to work hard and be a better actor, because you want to have a job. So, why isn't it like that for teachers?"

Damon replied:Damon asked, "You think job insecurity is what makes me work hard?"

Fields said:Fields responded, "Well, you have an incentive to work harder. But if there's job security…"

Damon said:That is not an incentive. That is the point. You take this MBA way of thinking, right? That is the issue with education policy now. It shows a purely paternalistic view of problems far more complex than that. It suggests a teacher will become lazy with tenure. A teacher wants to teach. Why would you take a bad salary and long hours for that job unless you really love it?

Cameraman:Ten percent of teachers are bad; aren't 10% percent though?

Carlsson-Paige:Where did you get that number?

Cameraman:I do not know. Maybe ten percent of people in any job should think about something else.

Damon:Well, okay, maybe you are a bad cameraman, I don't know!

AfterLauren ConradLauren Conrad publicized much of her life through reality TV shows like Laguna BeachandThe Hills, a radio interviewer asked a personal question about her love life in 2012. When Sway Calloway pulled out the “mystery sack” of questions for the celebrity entrepreneur to answer, the questions became personal.

When Conrad asked, “What's your favorite position?” (which likely sought a sexual answer), she replied slyly: “CEO.”

Surprised by the answer, the former MTV VJ responded: “CEO? I like that! High-five! CEO. That was cool.”

In 2019, Ellen DeGeneres tried to call outDakota Johnsonon her show for missing her 30th birthday party, the 50 Shades of Greystar showed the reality:

DeGeneres:When was your birthday?

Johnson:It was October 4.

DeGeneres:You turned 30.

Johnson:I did.

DeGeneres:And how was the party? I was not invited.

Johnson:Actually, no. That is not the truth, Ellen. You invited me. Last time I was on the show, last year, you said many things about not inviting you. But I did not know you wanted me to be invited.

DeGeneres:Well, who would not want an invitation to a party?

Johnson:'Cause I did not even know you… Well, I did not even know you liked me.

DeGeneres:Of course I like you. You knew I liked you. You have been on the show many times, and do I not show like that?

Johnson:Yeah… but I did invite you and you did not come. So…

DeGeneres:This time you invited me?

Johnson:Yeah.

DeGeneres:How do you know? I do not think so.

Johnson:Ask everybody.

After the cameras showed producers and show staff agreed she was invited and chose not to go, DeGeneres admitted:

No, I think I do remember. I was invited. Thank you… But Tig Notaro performed at your party?

Johnson clapped back without hesitation:

She did. It was a surprise… [She did] a bunch of funny things. She is my favorite comedian.

During a 2011 interview for the premiere of the filmFriends with Benefits,Mila Kunishad serious questions for a Russian reporter about why her co-star, Justin Timberlake, turned to movies instead of focusing only on his music career. Born in the Ukraine,Mila Kunis responded.She responded in her native Russian tongue.

Reporter: Justin asked two questions about the movie and sex.

Mila: Huh?

Reporter: He asked about the movie and the sex.

Mila: Oh, I thought I misheard you about the sex.

Justin: I don't like this!

Reporter: What got you into movies? Why are you in them?

Mila: What?

Reporter: Why movies?

Mila: Why movies?

Reporter: Many showbiz people move to movies, sometimes for better. But why is Justin in movies?

Mila: Wait, you're asking why he wants to be in movies?

Reporter: Yes.

Mila: What would you rather him do? Hold on.

Reporter: But isn't it enough?

Mila: Huh?

Reporter: Isn't showbiz enough?

Mila: If he wants to make movies and can, why shouldn't he? What kind of question is that? What are YOU here? Huh?

Reporter: I'm just doing my job.

Mila: He is too! It's the same thing!

Justin Timberlake tried to keep up with the conversation via an earpiece providing a delayed translation. He pointed at Kunis and responded:

This is my bodyguard.

During a 2014 interviewfor their film The Imitation GameBenedict Cumberbatch had choice words for interviewer David Poland, who remarked on co-star Keira Knightley's supposed “worn out” appearance. As Knightley tried to brush it off, Cumberbatch jumped to her defense, retaliating:

That is not a nice thing to say to one of the most beautiful women on the planet.

Emboldened by her co-star's support, Knightley also chimed in:

Yeah, f**k you!… I’m just basically really hungry. It’s like hunger rage that’s about to come out in this nasty demon. I know that nobody thinks I do eat but I do need food every now and then.

Talking with Taylor Swifton the red carpet at the 2015 GrammysEntertainment TonightHost Nancy O'Dell hinted that the singer would go home with more than just a trophy that night:

O'Dell: Speaking of one of the greats, Taylor Swift with me. You look amazing. Can we just get a pan down of this dress? You said it's Elie Saab?

Swift: Oh, yeah! It is. It's ombre. It's like ombre teal, and it gets lighter to the bottom. And then I have purple shoes on because, why not?

O'Dell: I just wanted to show the legs, because as I was telling you ahead of time, you're gonna walk home with more than maybe just a trophy tonight. I think lots of men.

Swift: I'm not going to walk home with any men tonight. I'm going to go hang out with my friends, and then I go home to the cats.

In the early 2000s, the media thought Britney Spears's sex life should be public knowledge and blamed the singer for her clothing choices and her breakup with pop star Justin Timberlake. In a 2003 interview,Diane Sawyer probed the then-21-year-old about her choices:

You caused [Timberlake] much pain and suffering. What did you do? You said, “I’ve only slept with one person in my whole life, two years into my relationship with Justin.” Yet he felt you were unfaithful, that you betrayed the relationship.

Later, Sawyer scolded:

If you talk to your little sister [12-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears] now, and the girl who claimed she would stay a virgin until marriage… Do you still think there is anything to say about that?

As the interview went on, Sawyer criticized Spears about the outfits she modeled for magazine shoots:

What happened to yourclothes?…What is it about?

The pop star held her ground, answering:

It is about doing a beautiful picture. I feel comfortable in my skin… I think it is okay to express yourself.

Sawyer then told the singer she heard Kendall Ehrlich, wife of the former Maryland governor, said she would like to kill Britney Spears. He suggested this was likely “because of the example for kids and how hard it is to be a parent and keep all of this away from your kids.” Spears replied:

That is sad that she said that… I am not here to babysit her kids.

In January 2024, Colombian and American actress Sofía Vergara appeared as a guest on the Spanish talk showEl Hormiguero(meaning “The Anthill”; two ant puppets are part of the show) promotes her Netflix miniseriesGriselda.She looked bothered when host Pablo Motos seemed to question her way of sayingModern Family, the TV show she starred in for 11 years. Here is part of their talk (translated from Spanish):

Vergara: Gloria Pritchett was my character inModern Family.

Motos: How do you say “Modern Family”?

Vergara: How do I say it in English?

Motos: It is because in English it is like…

Vergara: It sounds wrong?

Motos: No, no.

Vergara: Or because you speak better English than me? How many Emmy nominations do you have in the United States, sorry? How many times were you nominated for Golden Globes, sorry?

Vergara got four Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her role as Gloria on ABC'sModern Family, plusfour Golden Globe nominations.

After the show aired, Vergara did not seem angry: Sheposted a photo on Instagram of herself with Motos on the show and wrote, “Gracias por invitarme!!!!” ("Thank you for inviting me!!!!")

Lindsay Lohan grew up in the Hollywood spotlight, so tabloids and talk shows used herstrugglesas a young adult as entertainment. When theParent Trapstar agreed to aninterview with David Lettermanin 2013 to promote her filmScary Movie 5, it happened days before a court-ordered 90-day rehab assignment. Letterman pushed her to talk about her addiction instead of her work, asking a series of questions:

You joke about me routinely. Aren't you supposed to be in rehab now? How long will you stay? How many times have you been? How will this time differ? What is on their list? What will they work on when you enter? Do you have addiction issues?

Lohan first answered politely. As he pressed her and mocked her serious situation, the actress struggled to stop crying while defending herself:

[I start treatment] May 2nd. [I stay] three months. [I've been to rehab] several times. We did not discuss this before the interview. Honestly, I am happiest working and healthy. I see this as a chance to focus on what I love. I do not think it is bad. I think it is a blessing.

You sound like Dr. Phil. We discussed this before. We must work here for a movie. Let's stay positive.

Though Lohan tried to make light of it, Letterman kept pushing for answers. Eventually, the actress pulled his script to read his next comments and shot back:

I have gone through much in life. I look forward to taking time for myself. You cannot joke about it. That is mean. You are not doing that. We are not doing that.

During an interview for her first film premiere,Battleship, RihannaRihanna handled Australian reporter Natalie Barr's questions about entering the film industry after a successful career well. She handled the interviewer's pressure on her love life less well.

With music videos playing, Barr discussed 'hinted' romances with actor Ashton Kutcher and Rihanna's ex, Chris Brown. The interview then went on:

Barr: You spoke about finding love difficult in your position as a big star. How frustrating is it when you are linked to another Hollywood star? What about when you have barely met them?

Rihanna: Very frustrating. Being asked about it felt almost as frustrating.

Barr: You do not like going there?

Rihanna: I mean, what is the point?

Barr: People are interested in you. You are big stuff.

Rihanna: They are. They are interested in many things. Things that do not matter. Or should not.

The interview ended suddenly with that.

When KTLA newscaster Sam Rubin interviewedSamuel L. Jacksonon air in 2014, he asked, “Did you get a lot of reaction to that Super Bowl commercial?” The actor answered, “What Super Bowl commercial?”

Both Rubin and Jackson seemed to realize at once that the reporter confused him for actor Laurence Fishburne, who appeared in a Super Bowl car commercial. ThePulp Fictionstar had no issue calling the anchor out on live television, saying:

You think you're crazy because you see what people on Twitter do. I am not Laurence Fishburne! We do not all look the same. We might all be Black and famous, but we do not all look alike! You are the entertainment reporter for this station? You do not know the difference between me and Laurence Fishburne?

Rubin later claimed he mixed up the people because he had also seen Jackson in aCaptain AmericaHe was in a Super Bowl commercial, but he felt too flustered to explain it then.

During a 2023 interview at the Camerimage Film Festival in Poland, an audience member questioned the filming techniques used forAdam Driverhis filmFerrariasking:

What do you think about the crash scenes? They looked harsh, drastic, and cheesy to me. What is your take?

Driver replied:

Fuck you, I don’t know? Next question.

After Jay Leno faced accusations of trying to take over Conan O'Brien's job instead of retiring from NBC, many people, includingJimmy Kimmel, supported O'Brien. In 2010, when Leno invited Kimmel to help with his “10 at 10” question list on the web broadcast, Kimmel used every chance to show Leno his position. As the questions went on,Kimmel became more boldwith his statements:

Leno: Number four. If you could interview anyone in the world, who would it be?

Kimmel: You and Conan, together. I want to have the two of you. If Conan won't do it, I want you. I want to do 12 at 12 with you tomorrow night if you agree. I have many questions for you about this whole thing. I don't think people care about what I say.

Leno: …Tomorrow night is bad for me. Fine. Let's move on. Number five. You are known for pranks. What is the best prank you ever pulled?

Kimmel: …The best prank I pulled was telling a guy that in five years, I would give him my show. Then, five years later, I gave it to him and took it back right away. I think he works at Fox now.

Leno: Alright, number six! Do you ever order anything off the TV?

Kimmel: Like NBC ordered your show off the TV?

Leno: Number seven. You grew up in Las Vegas and hosted The Man Show. What is the highest number of lap dances you had in one night?

Kimmel: Jay, my mother is watching the show. Actually, no, wait. The show is canceled, right? No one is watching. My mother isn't watching the show… I dislike strippers, I dislike them in general. Because you have this fake relationship with them for money. Similar to… when you and Conan were on theTonight Showtogether, passing the torch? You get what I mean.

Leno: Yes, I do. What scares you the most?

Kimmel: Volcanos, tidal waves, [and] actually I lived in Seattle. I was scared of Mount Ranier. It just sat there, but I was scared of it. I have dreams about tidal waves. I fear the network will move my show to 10 o'clock.

Leno: I had that nightmare. Number nine. What have you not hosted that you want to host?

Kimmel: This is a trick, right? Where do you get me to host?The Tonight ShowAnd then take it back from me? Listen, Lucy. I am not Charlie Brown. I do not fall for that trick.

Leno: And finally, number 10. A, B, or C: You came on at 10 because A) you love satellite technology, B) you're promoting your own show, or C) you want to keep me happy in case I decide to switch to ABC?

Kimmel: I know what? It is all of the above. Listen, Jay. Conan and I have children. You only have to handle cars. We have lives to live here. You have $800 million. Leave our shows alone!

In 2000, shortly after Halle BerryHalle Berry made news for a hit-and-run incident. Howie Mandel joked about it during a guest-host appearance onLive with Regis and Kathie Lee. As Kathie Lee Gifford got ready to introduce Berry as their guest, Mandel quipped:

I was backstage, and Halle Berry. I am so excited she is here. She is a hottie, huh? I walked down the hall, and she came this way. She hit me hard, but she said nothing! She just left.

As Gifford stumbled to fix the rude comments, Berry defended herself once she reached the set:

Berry: I must address that. I love this show. I love Kathie Lee. She sent me the most beautiful, heartfelt note in my lowest time. I love Regis. I was shocked to come to what feels like home and be disrespected almost to my face.

Mandel: Oh my joke? I apologize.

Berry: It is very painful. I know you do (apologize).

Mandel: I did not mean it maliciously at all.

Berry: Yes, but people do not realize that. That was a real, dangerous situation. Being joked about almost to your face is hard to move past now. It is a fine line.

Mandel: Right here on national TV, I apologize if I hurt your feelings. I am a huge fan. I meant nothing… I meant no disrespect… and I feel bad that you feel bad. I will not joke about that again.

Berry: You can joke about it. Just do not do it to my face, dude. That is hard to take. Tell all the jokes you want. But doing it in someone's face is very disrespectful.

Cara Delevingneabruptly ended a 2015 interview with Good Day Sacramentonews anchors after they called her “Carla” and questioned her knowledge of the book version of her film,Paper Towns, and suggested she needed a nap:

Anchor 1: So the movie is based on a bestselling book by John Green. You play Margot, the star character… The book is taught in many high schools. Did you read it? Or do you have time to sit and read? You are so busy these days.

Delevingne: I never read the book or the script. I just winged it. But I have read the book. It is amazing. John Green is an incredible author. If you haven't read his books, you should. Don't miss them.

Anchor 2 spoke.Looking at your IMDb and all the projects, you were doing one thing after the next. Does this make it easier for you to focus because you are so busy? If you had downtime, would it not be so easy for you? What do you think?

Delevingne spoke.I don't know where that comes from. I love what I do. It is not crazy; it is my passion. I have wanted to do this since I was young. So it is not too hard. I am living my dream.

A third anchor joined the talk.

Anchor 3 spoke.I want to jump in. I love the movie and the author. I know I am out of the demo, but I still like this movie. I saw you in London talking on TV a couple of weeks ago, and you seemed more excited about it then. Are you just tired?

Delevingne spoke.No. I am still very excited. The premiere was last night. It was an emotional night. It felt like the end of an era. But I am not less excited than I was a couple of weeks ago. Maybe I had more energy. It is the morning.

Anchor 1 spoke.You seem irritated. Perhaps it is just us.

Delevingne spoke.Yeah, I think it is just you.

Anchor 1 spoke.I think it is us. On that note, we will let you go then. Take a nap. Get a Red Bull. How about that?

Delevingne ended the interview by disconnecting her camera. The anchor continued discussing how moody she had been, and the third anchor commented:

You make $5 million for six weeks of work; you can pretend to talk to Good Day Sacramento. It got some “oomph”!

Delevingne later...She shared on Twitter.Now called X:

Some people just do not understand sarcasm or the British sense of humour.

Things got awkward on Larry King's show in 2007 when the CNN host askedJerry Seinfeldif his sitcom had been canceled. The comedian laughed at first, but soon it became clear he was not joking:

King asked:How long did it last?

Seinfeld replied:Nine years. 180 episodes.

King asked:You quit, right?

Seinfeld answered:I did.

King asked:So, they did not cancel you. You canceled them?

Seinfeld said:You are not aware of this?

King asked:No, I am asking you.

Seinfeld stated:You think I got canceled?! Do you think I got canceled?

As King tried to explain his comments, Seinfeld kept going:

I thought that was well documented. Is this still CNN? I was the No. 1 show on television, Larry. Do you know who I am?

King responded, “Jewish guy. Brooklyn.” The comedian kept talking:

Seinfeld said:Yes! 75 million viewers! Last episode.

King asked:Do not take it so hard.

Seinfeld said:There is a big difference between being canceled and being No. 1. Jeez!

The moment got so heated the crew chose an unplanned commercial break.

In 2021, after King died, Seinfeld wrote in aJerry Seinfeld appeared in the list 'Celebrities Clapped Back In Interviews'.He always loved Larry King and will miss him. Seinfeld thought the 'canceled' bit was just him having fun with Larry King's small error. That is all.