Diplo made headlines during CNN's New Year’s Eve Live broadcast when he confessed to microdosing on LSD, leaving hosts Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper both surprised and amused. The 46-year-old DJ and music producer, who was busy performing at multiple New Year’s concerts around Los Angeles, addressed the curious inquiry from Cohen, who wanted to know about the most unconventional place the artist had done LSD. To the shock of the audience and viewers, Diplo casually responded, "Right now." Cohen pressed for clarification, exclaiming, "Oh my God, hold on ... please tell me — You’re tripping right now?" Diplo confirmed, "Yeah, I did some on the helicopter, on the way here. I’m not even lying," adding it was merely "a light trip" since he was microdosing.
The spontaneous admission gave way to lighthearted banter between the hosts, with Cooper expressing admiration for Diplo’s lifestyle. "I wish I was Diplo. I got to say. I just think he has a fun, cool lifestyle. Can you just picture it? 'I’m Diplo. I do things,'" he quipped. It became apparent how Diplo’s high-energy life contrasted with their own as Cooper confessed to feeling envious of the DJ’s jet-setting adventures.
Throughout the interview, Cohen noted how Diplo had taken four shots of tequila during the conversation, his incredulity clear as he remarked, "And he’s going to play. How does he work? How does anybody do anything? I’ve had four shots. I just want to go to sleep." The jovial reactions underscored the festive spirit of the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Diplo was not merely present for the festivities; he was also gearing up to perform three concerts at Insomniac’s Forever Midnight, another indication of his busy evening. He managed to keep the night lively, documenting his exploits on social media as he celebrated the New Year.
Earlier during the live broadcast, Cohen and Cooper welcomed guests including comedians Roy Wood Jr., Amber Ruffin, and Michael Ian Black, creating a diverse and dynamic atmosphere. The humor continued when Cohen offered the comedians tequila shots. While both Ruffin and Black eagerly accepted, Wood Jr. humorously declined the offer, quipping, "No I don’t. The last Black man who drank on this network got fired. I’m going to keep it with water for right now. I need some stability." This reference pointedly alluded to the recent termination of CNN's anchor Don Lemon, emphasizing how humor often dances on the edge of serious topics.
CNN’s chairman, Chris Licht, had previously issued statements following the split, acknowledging Lemon's impact on the network and wishing him well, thereby creating some background to the night's hijinks. It became clear the broadcast was not only about celebrating the New Year but also about coping with changes at CNN, all through the lens of lightheartedness and humor.
The evening's revelry captured the unrestrained spirit of New Year's Eve, filled with laughter, celebrity antics, and candid confessions. It showcased how even during changes and controversies, the spirit of celebration can shine through rich, emotive storytelling and relatable banter. Diplo’s experience, coupled with the humorous takes of the hosts and guests, contributed significantly to the memorable New Year’s Eve broadcast.