Jerry Seinfeld Apologizes for Bee Movie's ‘Sexual Undertones’ During Duke Commencement Address

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Jerry Seinfeld's recent commencement speech at Duke University, where he apologized for the "sexual undertones" in the relationship between the characters in his 2007 animated film "Bee Movie". It also covers Seinfeld's new movie "Unfrosted" and his directorial debut.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Jerry Seinfeld's Apology for "Bee Movie"

1. What did Jerry Seinfeld apologize for during his commencement speech at Duke University?

• Seinfeld apologized for the "sexual undertones" in the relationship between the characters Barry B. Benson (a bee) and Vanessa (a human florist) in his 2007 animated film "Bee Movie".
• He acknowledged that the romantic tension between the characters may have made some viewers "slightly uncomfortable" and said he "may not have calibrated that perfectly".

2. When has Seinfeld previously addressed the controversial aspects of "Bee Movie"?

• In October 2021, Seinfeld also apologized for the "uncomfortable subtle sexual aspect" of the relationship between Barry and Vanessa, saying it was "really not appropriate for children".

[02] Seinfeld's New Movie "Unfrosted"

1. What is Seinfeld's new movie "Unfrosted" about?

• "Unfrosted" is set in 1963 Battle Creek, Michigan, and it depicts the race between Kellogg's and Post, two rival cereal companies, to create a pastry that will change the face of breakfast forever.

2. What inspired Seinfeld to make this movie?

• Seinfeld has been "obsessed with Pop-Tarts" his whole life, and his friend Spike Feresten, a former writer on Seinfeld's show, suggested they make a movie about the story behind Pop-Tarts.

3. What can you tell me about Seinfeld's role as the director of "Unfrosted"?

• "Unfrosted" marks Seinfeld's feature-film directorial debut. He said he tried not to think about the importance of the job, as "the pilot never wants to come on the PA system and go, 'I'm going to try and get this plane in the air.' You have to be confident."