Jared Leto’s penchant for immersive method acting is well-documented, but a recent revelation suggests his dedication extends beyond character work and into the realm of event scripting. Comedian Jack Whitehall shared a story on BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills’ Big Guest Friday about an attempt by Leto, along with his publicist, to alter Whitehall’s autocue during the 2023 Brit Awards.
According to Whitehall, Leto wasn’t pleased with the planned introduction and took matters into his own hands. “He didn’t like his intro, and then during the show, whilst I was up on stage hosting it, one of the producers found him by the autocue with his publicist changing my script, actually deleting the intro and typing in his own one,” Whitehall recounted. “I’m like Ron Burgundy, I would’ve just read it, but someone found him.”
The proposed change? Leto reportedly wanted to be introduced as “the biggest rock star on the planet.” Whitehall, however, had a different vision. “He wanted me to introduce him as the biggest rock star on the planet, and I wasn’t on board with that. I wanted to introduce him as ‘The Hipster Jesus’, and that was deleted,” he joked.
The incident highlights a dynamic often present in the entertainment industry: the clash between an artist’s self-perception and the narrative crafted by event organizers. While Leto’s desire for a grand introduction isn’t unprecedented – many performers seek to maximize their stage presence – directly altering a host’s script is a decidedly unusual move. It speaks to a level of control and a willingness to circumvent established protocols.
Whitehall, a veteran of hosting the Brit Awards – this year marking his sixth time at the helm – has clearly learned from the experience. He now employs preventative measures to safeguard the script. “Now the autocue is guarded as well. I’ll have my mum there dressed as Chappell Roan!” he quipped, adding a layer of humor to the situation.
The story resonates beyond a simple celebrity anecdote. It touches on the power dynamics inherent in live events, the role of the host as a curator of the show’s tone, and the sometimes-fragile egos of performers. Whitehall’s recollection, delivered with self-deprecating wit, offers a glimpse behind the curtain of a high-profile awards show.
Leto’s career has been marked by a willingness to push boundaries, both in his acting roles and his musical endeavors with Thirty Seconds to Mars. From his Oscar-winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club to his portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad, he’s consistently embraced challenging and unconventional characters. This latest incident, while less dramatic than his on-screen transformations, reinforces a reputation for a strong, independent artistic vision.
The 2024 Brit Awards, set to take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live on , will undoubtedly have heightened security around the autocue. The star-studded lineup of performers includes Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice, and Alex Warren. Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead the nominations with five each, followed by Sam Fender with four, and Lily Allen, Dave, Fred again.., and Jim Legxacy with three apiece.
Whitehall’s ability to navigate these potentially awkward situations with humor and grace is a key reason for his continued success as a host. The incident with Leto serves as a reminder that even the most polished events can be subject to unexpected backstage drama, and that a quick wit and a well-guarded script are essential tools for any awards show host.
