Jerry Seinfeld Broke His Silence on That Awkward Larry King Interview
After King's recent death, Seinfeld wanted to set the record straight.
Award-winning radio host and CNN journalist Larry King died on Jan. 23 at the age of 87. In the days since his death, King's friends, family, and fellow celebrities have shared tons of fond memories online, demonstrating the profound impact King had on the world. But amid the outpouring of love, one very different video went viral of an infamous interview between King and Jerry Seinfeld. While it appeared the host rubbed Seinfeld wrong way, the comedian took to social media to set the record straight about the uncomfortable moment between the two. To see what Seinfeld recently said about the incident, read on, and for more notorious TV moments, check out Oprah Says This Was the Worst Guest She Ever Had.
The clip of King's awkward interview with Seinfeld recently resurfaced.
The internet has a way of resurfacing things that people want to forget. After news of King's passing hit the web, social media users began sharing the cringeworthy clip of a 2007 CNN interview moment between King and Seinfeld. The awkward encounter began when the pair discussed Seinfeld's eponymous sitcom, which he famously ended on his own accord at the height of its popularity after nine seasons. And for more deeply uncomfortable TV moments, check out The Worst "Late Night" Guest Conan O'Brien Ever Had.
Seinfeld berated King for being ill-informed about his show.
King asked Seinfeld, "You gave it up, right? They didn't cancel you? You canceled them?" Seinfeld looked visibly shocked by the question. "You're not aware of this? You think I got canceled? Are you under the impression that I got canceled? I thought that was pretty well documented," Seinfeld retorted defensively. The two began to talk over one another. "Have I hurt you, Jerry?" King asked. Seinfeld shot back, "Is this still CNN?"
King continued to push the matter and asked, "Don't most shows go down a little?" to which Seinfeld said, "Most people do also." Then there was a brief break in the argument, and the two let out a quick laugh. However, Seinfeld wasn't done with the subject. "When I went off the air, I was the No. 1 show on television, Larry. Do you know who I am?" continued Seinfeld. "Seventy-five million viewers [for the] last episode."
When King implored Seinfeld not to "take it so bad," Seinfeld shot back, "There's a big difference between being canceled and being No. 1." Then King decided to call off the joust, apologized to Seinfeld, and cut to commercial. And for more stars who should say sorry, check out James Corden Says This Is the Rudest Celebrity He's Ever Met.
Now Seinfeld wants to set the record straight.
Once the video began resurfacing, Seinfeld set out to defend his behavior on camera. "Always loved Larry King and will miss him," Seinfeld tweeted on Jan. 23. "The 'canceled' bit was just me having fun with his little mistake. Nothing more. Or less. #ripLarry." He also tacked on a heart emoji at the end. And for more up-to-date celebrity news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
King had many other shocking on-air moments.
Seinfeld's interview with King wasn't the first or last of the host's noteworthy encounters. In 1994, King was on the receiving end of a suprising kiss from Marlon Brando in the actor's home. In 2007, King famously mixed up two of The Beatles and referred to Ringo Star as George Harrison, who died in 2001. And in 2010, King coarsely questioned Lady Gaga about whether she had lupus, which her aunt died of complications from. And to see which celebrity another host forbids from being on her show, check out The One Guest Ellen DeGeneres Banned From Her Show.
