UPDATE: President Donald Trump mistakenly mispronounced his friend and supporter Sylvester Stallone‘s name during a live-streamed ceremony in the Oval Office yesterday evening. The event, held on December 2, 2023, ahead of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, showcased a gathering of honorees, including singer Gloria Gaynor, actor Michael Crawford, and the legendary rock band KISS.
During the introduction, Trump called Stallone a “wonderful person” and “one of the true great movie stars,” but flubbed his name as “Sylvester ‘Sly’ Sallone,” omitting the crucial “t” in Stallone’s surname. The blunder occurred not once, but twice, leaving viewers stunned. Stallone, however, remained composed and did not react to the error as he received a specially designed medallion from Tiffany & Co..
This ceremony marks a significant moment, as Trump is set to host the Kennedy Center Honors for the first time in history, breaking tradition where the president usually sits in the audience. The event will be recorded and televised later in December 2023. Trump expressed his excitement, predicting, “This will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done,” emphasizing the uniqueness of the occasion.
Earlier in the week, Stallone was celebrated at an event hosted by Vice President JD Vance, who highlighted the impact of Stallone’s films on working-class families. Vance remarked, “If I think about why my grandmother loved your movies so much, it’s because she didn’t see people like us on the big screen that much.”
The Kennedy Center Honors will feature tributes to each honoree and performances from renowned artists, further elevating the event’s profile. As anticipation builds for the ceremony, viewers can expect not only heartfelt tributes but also a showcase of artistic excellence that resonates with audiences nationwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on this extraordinary event as it unfolds.