Masked Singer judge Ken Jeong walked off stage when it was revealed that one of the contestants on the show was former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
The show brings on celebrities in elaborate costumes and masks to perform in a singing competition. The contestant's identity is only revealed after being voted off or winning the entire thing.
Judges had guessed that the contestant dressed as a rooster-style Jack in the Box was possibly Robert Duvall, Elon Musk, or Joe Pesci. They reveal its Rudy Giuliani
Host 1: “Is that Robert Duval?”
Host 2: “No, it’s not”
Lmaooo
— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) April 21, 2022
“This is definitely something I never would have guessed,” judge Robin Thicke asserted after the reveal.
When asked by host Nick Cannon why he chose to do the show in the midst of so much controversy, Giuliani explained that he was a long time fan and hoped to inspire his newborn granddaughter when she is older.
“I just had a granddaughter, Grace, and I want her to know that you should try everything, even the things that are completely unlike you and unlikely — and I can’t think of anything more unlike me and unlikely than this,” Giuliani explained.
Giuliani performed George Thorogood’s “Bad to the Bone” as his parting song following the brief interview.
As Giuliani began belting out the tune, Jeong took off his mic and asserted, “I’m done,” before walking off the stage.
While Jeong was clearly upset, judges Nicole Scherzinger and Jenny McCarthy remained cheerful and enthusiastic — dancing and cheering throughout the performance.
The show previously came under fire for allowing Sarah Palin to compete in March 2020 while dressed as a bear and singing “Baby Got Back.”
Though her appearance was considered controversial, the judges remained on set and kept their composure through her performance.
Former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer has also appeared on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars”
Prior to representing former President Donald Trump, Giuliani was beloved for his role as New York City's mayor during September 11, 2001 and leading the city through the aftermath of the terror attack.
