The Masked Singer judges reportedly storm off set after surprise Rudy Giuliani reveal


Two judges on Fox's competition series The Masked Singer reportedly walked off the set in protest after a shock appearance by Rudy Giuliani.
The former attorney for former President Donald Trump was revealed as a contestant during a taping of the show last week for its upcoming seventh season, leading judges Ken Jeong and Robin Thicke to walk off the stage, Deadline reports. The singing competition show involves celebrity contestants wearing elaborate costumes to disguise their identities so judges don't know who they are until they're revealed.
In this case, Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City who was involved in Trump's attempt to overturn his loss in the 2020 presidential election based on false voter fraud claims, was reportedly revealed in the seventh season premiere. According to the report, Jeong and Thicke eventually returned to the stage after walking off, while judges Jenny McCarthy and Nicole Scherzinger stayed on stage the whole time.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Masked Singer previously sparked some criticism, though no walkouts by the judges, after former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was revealed as a contestant in 2020. But the show drew fresh backlash after it was reported that Giuliani had been invited on in the wake of his false 2020 election fraud claims. Referencing both this and former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer's appearance on Dancing with the Stars, The Hollywood Reporter critic Daniel Fienberg argued, "Shows like Masked Singer and [Dancing with the Stars] too often operate as a disgrace-laundering operation, helping give the impression that people like Sean Spicer and Rudy Giuliani are figures of innocuously adorable mediocrity worthy of having their status buffed from notoriety to fame."
Fox hasn't commented on the report, nor have Jeong or Thicke, and no footage from the taping has been revealed. Assuming it's still broadcast as planned, Giuliani's Masked Singer episode is set to air on Fox in March.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Netanyahu's Qatar problem
Two of the prime minister's key advisers are accused of taking bribes from the Gulf state in exchange for favourable publicity
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
Cartier at the V&A: a 'dazzling' show
The Week Recommends A 'once-in-a-lifetime' display of the French jeweller's 'exquisite' objects
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK
-
Blue Origin all-female flight: one giant leap back for womankind?
Talking Point 'Morally vacuous' celeb space crew embody defeat for feminism
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US