The Real Reason Laverne Cox Got Censored At The Emmys

Stars often use award shows as a platform to speak their mind or address their fans, but most certainly never expect to be censored while they're talking. However, during the 2020 Emmy Awards, actress Laverne Cox experienced just that. Cox didn't make a political statement or even say something very crass, but fans have been wondering what could've possibly led ABC to bleep her out. What gives? 

Cox was a presenter at the 2020 Emmys and one of the brave souls who actually had to get dressed up and leave their house to join host Jimmy Kimmel on stage. Per Entertainment Tonight, Cox presented the award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series in a Kim Kassas Couture jumpsuit, looking as glam as ever. This wasn't her first time at the Emmys, of course — the 48-year-old actress has been nominated four times for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her work on Orange is the New Black, including this year. While presenting the writing accolade in September 2020, Cox began, "I am living proof of the American dream that anyone in this country can lose the Emmy four years in the same category, and yet somehow end up on this stage presenting an award to someone who probably didn't..." But then they cut her off. So what did she say that was so bad? 

Laverne Cox tried to make a joke at the 2020 Emmys, but ABC didn't think it was appropriate apparently. After saying, "I am living proof of the American dream that anyone in this country can lose the Emmy four years in the same category and yet somehow end up on this stage presenting an award to someone who probably didn't..." The complete, unedited version was posted to YouTube, so we now know that Cox finished her statement with "even effing vote for me." 

The Orange is the New Black star finished her comments with, "What happens to an American dream deferred? Does it shrivel up like a raisin in the sun? Stick to the script, Laverne, stick to the script. And now here are the nominees for Writing in a Drama Series." As Cox later captioned footage of the "bleeped" portion of her presentation on Instagram, "It was so much fun getting out of the house last night after having 6 thousand nasal swabs in the past week (safety first) to present at the #Emmys last night... Congrats to Jesse Armstrong and all the winners and nominees."

It was just a joke about losing yet again, but apparently "effing" — which is not even a curse word — was not suitable for broadcast television. Although it was tame, Cox will apparently have to clean up her language the next time around.