Host calls female musician a 'b****' at tech awards ceremony in US
TJ Miller started heckling Gabi Hozwarth after she booed one of his jokes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A US comedian has been heavily criticised on social media after he called a female musician a “b****” at a prestigious Silicon Valley awards ceremony.
TJ Miller, an actor who stars in HBO series Silicon Valley, addressed the remarks to musician and app-founder Gabi Holzwarth at last night's Crunchie Awards - celebrating tech start-ups in Silicon Valley - after she booed his negative remarks about taxi app Uber.
Unbeknown to the actor and presenter, Ms Holzwarth is in a relationship with Uber CEO Travis Kalanick.
Mr Miller, addressing her from stage after she booed, quipped: “Hey, Asians aren't supposed to be this entitled in the United States.”
His remarks were greeted by the audience, previously apparently responding well to Mr Miller’s mocking of their extreme wealth and odd clothing choices, with exhaled breath and low boos.
After Ms Holzwarth continued to heckle, Mr Miller responded by informing her “I’m talking about California, you b****.”
To which she immediately shouted back to the stage: “Did you just call me a bitch?”
Afterwards, Mr Miller moved on to questioning why she was there to which she explained she was representing her company, a new app called Shyp.
The evening got weirder when Mr Miller realised Ms Holzwarth had brought her dog to the ceremony.
“Miss, miss, do you have your dog here? Hold it up,” an incredulous Miller asked, before adding: “I’m going to have to ask you not to be funnier than the comedian tonight.”
Ms Holzwarth then pitched the entire concept of her app to the comedian, while he interrupted with questions such as, “This b**** from Palo Alto?”
Head of Twitter’s media Katie Stanton wrote on the social media website: that was the most uncomfortable event I’ve ever attended as a woman.”
It was not the only moment during that evening which raised eyebrows. Host’s later joked about another female guest’s “hooha”.
Dave McClure, 500 Startup founding partner, also tweeted: “This is going WAY off the rails”.
However, the spat appears to have ended amiably after Shyp tweeted the comedian the following morning, saying “we accept your apology :)”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments