Viewers taken aback as actress makes 'transgender joke' during live broadcast

On 31 December, millions of Americans tuned in to CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast, only to be left horrified by a 'transphobic' remark.

Actress and comedian Amy Sedaris appeared on the show ahead of the glittering ball dropping in New York City's Times Square.

As a reminder, the century-long tradition received something of a revamp this year, which saw 5,280 Waterford crystals and LED lights being added to the colossal Constellation sphere to ring in 2026.

Viewers of the live broadcast enjoyed musical performances from the likes of Shakira, Florence + the Machine and Robyn ahead of the long-awaited ball-drop, whilst hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen chatted to several celebrity guests.

Amongst them was Strangers with Candy star, Amy Sedaris.

During a segment titled 'Amy's Box', the 64-year-old was asked by Cooper where the best place in NYC is to meet a potential match.

"What’s the best place to meet a man in 2026?" the presenter, 58, asked.

Following a brief pause, Sedaris - also famed for her appearances in comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and rom-com blockbuster Maid in Manhattan - replied with what some viewers have slammed as an anti-trans joke.

"I'd say in the ladies' room," she replied, adding: "But I don’t know - where can you meet a man?"

It didn't take long for disgruntled viewers to take to social media to voice their disappointment.

"Amy is never being invited back on CNN," one predicted.

Another questioned: "Did amy sedaris just made a transphobic joke? i’m going to lose it."

Sedaris' joke proved extremely divisive (CNN)

"What the hell was that comment??" a third hit out, referring Cohen and Cooper, adding: "To two men proudly in the LGBTQ Community too..."

A fourth continued: "Amy Seradis really didn’t hide her transphobia there on @CNN’s New Year’s Eve show. Ouch."

Other viewers, meanwhile, attempted to defend the funnywoman, claiming her pointed remark is 'right on brand' when it comes to her borderline sense of humour, with one Instagram user insisting: "It’s not with malicious intent in my opinion."

Another claimed: "That’s called comedy."

"As a gay I her a pass on this one," a third continued. "She meant nothin but love."

"She’s joking around… lighten up people," a fourth added.

Tyla contacted Sedaris' representatives for comment.