Maybe they should have called it a not-fun fact.
E! opened itself up for derision when it offered the following information about Michael J. Fox in its Golden Globes red carpet coverage, calling it a “fun fact”:
“Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991.”
Also read: Golden Globes: E! Team Hits Red Carpet in ‘American Hustle’ Style (Photo)
Oops. It also shared this not-fun “fun fact” about Robert Redford: “Robert Redford was stricken with polio as a child.”
Also read: Golden Globes Winners: The Complete List (Updating Live)
A spokesman for E! told TheWrap that the network regrets the Fox comment, which appeared on the show’s online live stream.
“We regret the insensitive classification of Michael J Fox’s Parkinson’s diagnosis during our Eonline live stream,” the network’s statement reads. “We understand the serious nature of the disease and sincerely apologize.”
Fortunately, BuzzFeed was on it, delivering a darkly funny post with such mock “fun facts” as “Ryan Seacrest” is wearing a diaper” (Hey, that could be fun, depending on the circumstances) and “37 Cats Died During the Making of Inside Llewyn Davis.”
Did you laugh at that? Shame on you. (And me.)
E! did not immediately respond to a request for comment.