Daytime Emmys bid for social-media appeal draws criticism for rape, race jokes

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Daytime Emmys are facing criticism for pre-show interviews that included bawdy humour about rape and an actor’s race.

The ceremony’s organizers had drafted four women it described as respected “social media gurus” to chat with celebrities before the awards Sunday.

The red carpet and backstage interviews were seen online as part of the streamed event.

At one point, a host joked about sexually assaulting “General Hospital” star Ryan Paevey. Another actor, “Bold and the Beautiful” star Lawrence Saint-Victor, was called a “beautiful chocolate man.”

On Monday, Paevey said the hosts probably should issue a general apology. But he said the online anger directed at the host who made the remark to him was “over the top.”