This Emmys 2024 joke left Meryl Streep in complete shock

Meryl Streep appeared stunned over a jockstrap joke at the 2024 Emmys on Sunday. ABC

The internet is divided over Meryl Streep’s shocked reaction to a jockstrap joke at the 2024 Emmys.

The actress, 75, appeared floored Sunday when Rob McElhenney and his wife, Kaitlin Olson, presented the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series — for which she received a nomination for her role in “Only Murders in the Building” — at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor the comedic performances that hold everything in place. They show crucial support when it’s really needed,” McElhenney, 47, told the star-studded crowd.

Rob McElhenney and his wife, Kaitlin Olson, were presenting the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series when they made the “cringe” joke. Getty Images “Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to honor the comedic performances that hold everything in place. They show crucial support when it’s really needed,” McElhenney told the audience. Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Olson, 49, then jumped in to quip, “Much like a jockstrap. … What you were describing sounds very much like a jockstrap.”

McElhenney became defensive, telling her, “No it doesn’t,” before ultimately agreeing.

“These roles make sure everything stays secure. Without this support, the whole package falls apart. … All right, this does sound like a jockstrap,” he said nervously.

Olson joked to her husband that it sounded like he was describing a jockstrap. REUTERS “Are you calling Meryl Streep a jockstrap?” she asked, pretending to be horrified. REUTERS

The camera then panned to Streep watching in horror from the audience as the couple continued the bit.

“Yeah, are you calling Meryl Streep a jockstrap?” Olson asked, to which her husband replied, “No! I’m so sorry, Meryl.”

The “Devil Wears Prada” star looked down at the floor with a stunned expression before appearing to mouth jokingly, “Oh, God.”

McElhenney seemed flustered before admitting Olson was right. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP “I’m so sorry, Meryl,” he told the actress from the stage. Getty Images

Viewers were divided on whether Streep was actually offended or happily going along with the jest.

“i can’t believe @RMcElhenney just called Meryl Streep a jockstrap,” one gobsmacked person wrote on X.

“Wow. Meryl did NOT like that jock strap joke!” a second guessed.

“I don’t know who wrote the #EmmyAwards tonight, but the dialog [sic] is soooooo cringe. They just compared Meryl Streep to a jock strap. Yeah, it’s that bad,” a third viewer wrote.

Streep attended the show with her “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Martin Short. Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP Fans on X were divided as to whether she was going along with the joke or actually offended. Danny Moloshok /Invision/AP

Others applauded the “Mamma Mia!” star for playfully going along with the gag.

“Meryl streep reacting to being called a jockstrap was amazing,” one person wrote.

“Meryl Streep’s face w the jock strap joke. standing ovation in my house rn,” another supporter gushed.

“Meryl’s reaction to being called a jockstrap she’s so beloved,” one more added.

The “Devil Wears Prada” star wore a chic pink suit to the event. Getty Images She and Short have sparked dating rumors. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Streep was nominated against Carol Burnett, Hannah Einbinder, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Liza Colón-Zayas, the latter of whom took home the trophy for her role as Tina Marrero in “The Bear.”

The “Sophie’s Choice” star attended the 76th annual Primetime Emmy Awards wearing a baby pink Alexander McQueen suit layered over a pink pussy bow blouse. She finished the look with a pink purse and pink-framed eyeglasses.

Streep was seated next to her “Only Murders” co-star Martin Short amid rumors that they are an item.

While Short, 74, denied that they are dating, the duo have repeatedly been spotted looking flirty in public on several occasions.