‘I Am a Lover of Cats’: Jessie Buckley Addresses Divisive Comments During Oscar Week
Jessie Buckley, the frontrunner for the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in Hamnet, has moved to clarify recent comments regarding her feelings towards cats, after a resurfaced interview sparked online debate just days before the Oscars voting concludes. The clarification came during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
The Initial Controversy
The controversy originated from an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, recorded three months prior but gaining traction online this week. Buckley recounted an experience with her then-boyfriend’s cats, stating, “My husband, when I started dating him, he had two cats… This is bad as well. I’m gonna obtain cancelled.” She described a situation where one of the cats repeatedly defecated on her pillow, leading her to issue an ultimatum: “it’s me or the cats.”
The comments, initially made with a self-deprecating tone, were interpreted by some as anti-cat sentiment, prompting a wave of criticism online. Paul Mescal, her Hamnet co-star, jokingly supported the sentiment in the original interview, adding fuel to the fire.
Buckley’s Response and Clarification
Addressing the backlash on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Buckley emphatically stated, “I require to clarify something for all cat lovers in the world. I am a lover of cats.” She expressed surprise at the negative reaction, saying she “woke up this morning to the world thinking that I really don’t love cats. It’s really weighed on me all day… I felt sick.”
Buckley further revealed a humorous anecdote, stating she once auditioned for the role of a cat in Tom Hooper’s 2019 film, Cats, calling it “the worst” audition of her life.
Potential Impact on Oscar Bid
The timing of the controversy, coinciding with final Oscar voting, has led to speculation about whether it could impact Buckley’s chances of winning Best Actress. Some industry experts, like Emmy-nominated producer Sam McAlister, have suggested the comments could sway voters, particularly those who are cat owners. PR consultant Mark Borkowski advised celebrities to avoid commenting on pets, especially cats and dogs, due to the strong emotional connection people have with them.
Despite the controversy, Buckley remains the favorite to win the award for her critically acclaimed performance in Hamnet, a film that has resonated with audiences for its portrayal of grief and loss.