Jake Shane drew attention during the Vanity Fair Oscars Party after asking a question to Julia Fox that led to an awkward exchange and wider discussion online.

Shane, alongside Quen Blackwell and Brittany Broski, was selected as a red carpet correspondent for the event, hosting the official livestream following the Oscars on March 15. The trio conducted a series of light-hearted interviews with guests throughout the evening, aiming to create informal and engaging moments.

During one interview, Julia Fox discussed the Oscar-nominated film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, which explores the challenges faced by a mother caring for a sick child. Reflecting on the film, she said, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You…Wow, every mother’s story.”

After initially agreeing with her assessment and describing the film as “really good,” Shane asked, “Wasn’t the kid annoying?” The question prompted a shift in tone, with Blackwell adding, “the kid was annoying because of the mom.”

Fox responded by offering a broader perspective on the film’s themes, stating, “It’s not that it’s the mother’s fault or the child’s fault. It’s society’s fault—it sets mothers up to fail, you know? Even the fact that school lets out at 3, but most jobs are done at 5 or 6. Like, all those little things are so positioned, and are not conducive to mothering.”

The moment circulated widely online, with some viewers criticising the line of questioning and the role of social media personalities in high-profile interviews. One comment read, “We gotta stop having ‘influencers’ interview people this is so embarrassing,” while another stated, “If you’re gonna hire influencers, at least get the ones who have an interest in films”.

Others praised Fox for her empathetic reply with one user saying, “she’s often discarded for being vapid or simple but I think she’s an incredibly deep, thoughtful person with a complex personality”. Another added, “Julia Fox with an excellent answer to a dumb ass question”.

Some defended Shane and his co-hosts, suggesting their approach prioritised audience engagement.