Nikki Glaser, known for her sharp wit and comedic roasts on Comedy Central, recently opened up about the lasting impact that jokes directed at her have had on her self-perception. Despite being a seasoned roaster herself, Glaser admitted that certain jokes, even those from years ago, continue to haunt her.
Glaser, who hosted the 2025 Golden Globes, shared her vulnerability on the January 3rd episode of The Run-Through with Vogue. She confessed that roast jokes can unearth insecurities and magnify self-doubts, leaving a lasting impression. “I’m seeing them when I look in the mirror,” she stated, emphasizing the psychological impact of these comedic barbs.
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One particular joke that resonated with Glaser was made by Pete Davidson, who commented on her lack of a prominent backside. While Glaser acknowledged the truth in the observation, it was Davidson’s deliberate focus on it that stung. “The fact that Pete Davidson had taken that in and, like, sat with it…it hurt,” she confessed. The experience highlighted the power of roast jokes to amplify existing insecurities.
Glaser described the feeling of dread when she sees her name appear on the teleprompter during a roast, knowing she’s about to be the target of jokes. She admitted to even crying at an after-party due to the emotional toll of the experience. “It’s my least favorite part of the show,” she confessed.
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Despite the personal impact, Glaser believes her willingness to be vulnerable and open herself up to criticism is what makes her a successful roaster. “I think that’s one of the reasons why I feel like I can get away with it is because I’m putting myself up here and open to this stuff too,” she explained.
However, she emphasized that the emotional impact of roast jokes is undeniable. “I would love to say, ‘Oh, it’s just a joke…But we absolutely do [take it personally],” she admitted.
Glaser revealed that a joke made by Blake Griffin at the Comedy Central Roast of Alec Baldwin in 2019, comparing her appearance to Larry Bird, prompted her to seek cosmetic procedures. The overwhelming audience response to the joke made Glaser feel she couldn’t deny its validity, leading her to pursue facial injections to “restructure things.” This experience further underscores the potential consequences of roast jokes, extending beyond mere humor and impacting personal choices.
