A joke at the 2024 Emmys shocked Meryl Streep – now viewers are divided at what it meant

The Emmys stirred up plenty of excitement, filled with the highs of victories and the lows of defeats. Amid the celebrations and disappointments, countless jokes were made, but not all of them seemed to hit their mark as intended.

Meryl Streep is undeniably one of the most iconic actresses of her generation, her talent and legendary status beyond question. At the 76th Emmys, her presence was as captivating as ever.

The actress, however, likely didn’t expect to be the subject of an unexpected joke. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney, co-stars on *It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia* and a real-life couple, took the stage to present the award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.’ Among the nominees in this category was none other than Meryl Streep, recognized for her role in *Only Murders In The Building.*

As they presented the award, the husband-and-wife duo cracked a joke that has since sparked mixed reactions across the internet.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor the comedic performances that hold everything in place,” McElhenney said. “They show crucial support when it’s really needed.”

To this, his wife Olson replied, “Much like a jockstrap. What you were describing sounds very much like a jockstrap.”

To this, McElhenney pauses and says, “No, it doesn’t! These roles make sure everything stays secure. Without this support, the whole package falls apart… alright, this does sound like a jockstrap.”

The audience begins laughing at the joke and Olson says, “Are you calling Meryl Streep a jockstrap?” and McElhenney replies, “No! I’m so sorry, Meryl.”

At this, the camera pans to The Devil Wears Prada star, who is wearing a stunned expression at the comparison.

Streep looks down at the floor and mouths, “Oh, God.” And this is where the debate on the internet began.

While some think that Streep took the joke badly, others think she was laughing along.

“I don’t know who wrote the #EmmyAwards tonight, but the dialogue is soooo cringe. They just compared Meryl Streep to a jock strap. Yeah, it’s that bad,” one user said.

Another person chimded in saying, “Wow. Meryl Streep did NOT like that jockstrap joke.”

“Meryl Streep’s face w the jockstrap joke. Standing ovation in my house rn,” one person commented.

Though Streep didn’t take home the award, she was all smiles throughout the evening. The actress dazzled in a stunning baby pink Alexander McQueen suit, embellished with delicate bows, and accessorized with her signature glasses. Seated next to her *Only Murders in the Building* co-star Martin Short, their close interaction fueled ongoing rumors about their potential collaboration beyond the show..

Although Short has previously denied any rumors of a romantic connection between them, the two have been seen together in public on several occasions, often appearing quite friendly and close.