AceShowbiz - At this year's Critics Choice Awards, comedian host Chelsea Handler, 49, delivered a monologue packed with jokes that might have stung for some. She took a playful, albeit controversial, jab at Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater that left fans fuming.

Handler, while celebrating the achievements of former child stars like Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez, quipped, "And now, Ariana has even found love with a munchkin," referring to Slater's "Wicked" character while seemingly joking about his height.

While the joke managed to spark a few laughs, Slater and Grande appeared unimpressed when camera panned to them.

The joke apparently didn't sit well with viewers as well, leading many to criticize Handler on social media. One user exclaimed, "Chelsea needs to apologize, that was so cruel." Another voiced their discomfort, posting, "I'm cringing sooo bad."

That night, Grande donned a striking Dior Couture dress embellished with floral appliqués and a fringe hem, accessorized with dazzling diamond earrings, an ivory manicure, and black pumps. Meanwhile, Slater suited up for the evening.

Although the couple didn't walk the red carpet together as a couple, they looked cozy as they were seated next to each other inside the venue.

The couple's relationship has been under scrutiny from the start due to their previous marriages. Prior to their involvement, Grande was married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez and Slater to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay.

Handler's controversial remarks didn't stop at Grande and Slater. She also poked fun at the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

Handler jokingly thanked the "It Ends With Us" actors for providing a "distraction" amid the chaotic current events, including Donald Trump's return to office and Los Angeles wildfires. Here too, the audience's response was mixed, with some calling her comments on the sexual harassment case inappropriate and unfunny.