Comedian Nate Bargatze, the underwhelming host of the 2025 Emmys, has spoken out to defend his controversial charity bit.

“A lot of reviews did not like that, but it came from a real place of heart,” Bargatze, 46, said on an episode of the “Nateland” podcast released Wednesday.

“Everybody at home loved it. It was fun and entertaining to see money go down and all that,” the Nashville native explained. “I wasn’t trying to put anyone on the spot or make someone donate money. In my head I thought, ‘Make it fun.’ We’re not using the charity as a tool.” 4

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During the award show, Bargatze had a recurring bit where he showed how he planned to donate $100,000 to the Boys & Girls club. However, he planned to deduct $1,000 from that amount for any acceptance speech that goes on longer t

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