Entertainment Icon Shares New Perspective on Viral 2005 Moment
In a recent interview, comedian and actor Mike Myers opened up about his infamous 2005 Hurricane Katrina telethon appearance alongside Kanye West. The moment, which has since become a defining piece of television history, saw West deviate from the script to declare that “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people,” leaving Myers visibly stunned.
Nearly two decades later, Myers described the experience as “a profound moment in television” that he believes served an important purpose despite the controversy it generated. “Sometimes moments of truth happen, and I’m proud to have been next to someone speaking truth,” Myers stated when discussing the incident that has followed both performers throughout their careers.
The “Austin Powers” star emphasized that while the moment was unexpected, he understood the gravity of West’s message regarding the federal government’s delayed response to the devastating hurricane that disproportionately affected Black communities in New Orleans.
Legacy of a Viral Moment Before Social Media
The Myers-West telethon clip predated platforms like Twitter and YouTube but nevertheless became one of the first truly viral television moments of the internet era. Media analysts point to this incident as a precursor to today’s instant viral phenomena, where unscripted moments can quickly define public discourse.
Former NBC executive James Thompson noted,
“What happened between Myers and West demonstrated how unplanned authentic moments can overshadow carefully orchestrated broadcasts. Today’s networks have implemented significant delays and contingency plans because of incidents like this.”
West, now legally named Ye, has referenced the moment throughout his career, while Myers has generally maintained a respectful distance from discussing it in detail until recently. Myers’ willingness to revisit the incident provides rare insight into one of entertainment history’s most memorable impromptu moments.
Both performers have traveled dramatically different career paths since their unexpected pairing, with Myers focusing on selective film projects and voice work, while West has become as known for his controversial statements as for his musical innovations.
