During a recent ceremony for the Breakthrough Prize, often dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” Seth Rogen used the platform to voice his concerns over the negative impact of ultra-wealthy tech titans on scientific integrity. Joining Edward Norton on stage, Rogen presented the special award to Nobel Prize-winning physicist Gerard ’t Hooft but took the opportunity to criticize tech billionaires like Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg, and Yuri Milner, who were present.

Rogen stated:

“It’s amazing that others in this room underwrote electing a man who, in the last week, single-handedly destroyed all of American science.”

He went further, calling out donation levels that have led to significant deterioration in the scientific community, asserting,

“It’s amazing how much good science you can destroy with $320 million and RFK Jr, very fast.”

These remarks, likely aimed at those who supported controversial political movements, sparked discomfort among the audience, particularly Edward Norton, who was described as “visibly uncomfortable” during the presentation. Despite its intent, much of Rogen’s speech was edited out for the YouTube release of the ceremony, raising questions about censorship in scientific discussions.

The event aimed to recognize groundbreaking achievements in science, yet Rogen’s critique has drawn more attention to the flaws across the relationship between wealth and influence in the field.