Comedian Hannah Gadsby calls out ‘good men’ during women’s awards show speech

‘You know why we need to talk about this line between good men and bad men? Because it’s only good men who get to draw that line’

Hannah Gadsby has called out “good men” while giving a speech at a women’s awards show, voicing her opposition to the way in which men who regard themselves as being good discuss “bad men”.

The Australian comedian made her speech during the opening of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2018 Women in Entertainment Gala.

She explained that “all men believe they are good”, and that it’s not fair that they’re frequently the ones who end up drawing the line when it comes to misogynistic behaviour.

“I want to speak about the very big problem I have with the good men, especially the good men who take it upon themselves to talk about the bad men,” she said.

“I find good men talking about bad men incredibly irritating, and this is something the good men are doing a lot of at the moment.”

She continued, saying how “the Jimmys”, in apparent reference to talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, are only able to regard bad men in two ways: either as extreme perpetrators of sexual violence such as Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby, or as friends who have simply taken a wrong turn.

“We need to talk about how men will draw a different line for a different occasion,” she said.

Hannah Gadsby at The Hollywood Reporter's 2018 Women in Entertainment Gala (Getty Images)

“They have a line for the locker room; a line for when their wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters are watching; another line for when they’re drunk and fratting; another line for nondisclosure; a line for friends; and a line for foes.

“You know why we need to talk about this line between good men and bad men? Because it’s only good men who get to draw that line.

“And guess what? All men believe they are good.”

Numerous people have been applauding Gadsby for her sentiments, expressing their admiration for the comedian’s candour.

"I love how only guys are mad about what she said and girls are completely glad she said it. Must mean something," one person tweeted.

"Hannah Gadsby is always required viewing, especially for (yes all) men," another person wrote.

Earlier this year, Gadsby's stand-up comedy act Nanette was released on Netflix to critical acclaim.

The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala celebrated the women named in the publication's Power 100.

Those honoured during the occasion on Wednesday 5 December included Viola Davis and Nina Jacobson, with stars such as Steve McQueen, Awkwafina and Diane Lane in attendance at the event.