Jamie Foxx went too far at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Sunday evening with his jokes about Bruce Jenner's alleged transition from male to female. The Oscar-winning actor and singer sparked controversy when he delivered his opening monologue with a number that has been widely slammed as transphobic.
Foxx had his turn on stage after the audience saw performances from Jennifer Hudson, Iggy Azalea and Nick Jonas. He seemed to be his usual funny self and clearly thought his next move would amuse the audience.
"We have some groundbreaking performances here too tonight," said Foxx. "Bruce Jenner will be here doing some musical performances. He's doing a his-and-her duet all by himself."
As if that was not enough, Foxx followed it up with another remark.
"Look, I'm just busting your balls while I still can."
Bruce Jenner, or the patriarch of the Kardashian clan, has had the rumor mill going for quite some time, with people speculating about the feminine touches on his appearance. After his separation from ex-wife Kris, Jenner was seen sporting flowing locks, long polished nails and shaved legs.
Jenner has also undergone a "laryngeal shave" to diminish his Adam's apple, which is a common surgery for individuals transitioning from male to female.
Jenner hasn't spoken publicly to confirm or deny the alleged transition. It's speculated that he may open up and share his story on the current season showing of his family's reality TV show Keeping up with the Kardashians or on his own rumored docuseries.
iHeartRadio Viewers spoke out on behalf of Jenner and the transgender community, airing their disappointment on social media about Foxx's transphobic attack against Jenner.
"Boo! Shame on you #iHeartAwards for allowing @iamjamiefoxx to be transphobic on national television! Those #BruceJenner jokes were wrong!!!," tweeted @PerezHilton.
"not cool, @iamjamiefoxx. you're better than transphobic jokes about #BruceJenner. be funny, but not at the expense of others. #iHeartAwards," tweeted @laurentwright.
"@iamjamiefoxx Bruce Jenner joke was crass, hateful, and transphobic. #iheartradioawards," tweeted @theJuanstar.
"Jamie Foxx disrespecting Bruce Jenner's transition(which may or may not be real) is not okay. what was said was disrespectful and disgusting," tweeted @nicholsonbaird.
