RYAN Seacrest was slammed for ‘not mentioning’ Betty White’s death during the New Year’s Eve show but he later honored the Golden Girls actress after the backlash.
Audiences had waited for more than an hour before Ryan, 47, finally mentioned the late actress.
The New Year’s Rockin’ Eve host celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ABC show with a brief video tribute.
During the montage, Ryan recognized former host of the original Rock’ New Year’s Eve host Dick Clark, 82.
As the video continued, a black-and-white photo was shared of Dick and Betty, 99, together.
The two shared a smile in the wholesome snap.
Ryan said that Betty will be “missed by so many.”
Viewers though had lost their patience with the Rockin’ Eve host not paying tribute to the Lake Placid actress.
One angry viewer said: “I have lost all respect for you tonight,25 minutes into your party and not ONE mention of the passing of Betty White.
“Will have to suffer through listening to Blubbering Biden and listening to Mariah Carey from 2018 and Taylor Swift but not a moment of silence for Betty White.”
Another angry viewer wrote: “God took Betty White and left us with Ryan Seacrest…this year cannot be over soon enough.”
A third angry viewer stated: “Not a mention” and added a crying emoji.
A fourth person added: “Long live Dick Clark and Betty White.”
A commentator noted: “Rockin Eve should show a segment at 11:50 pm on the notable people that left us in 2021, with the song Smile by Josh Groban being played and Betty White being shown last.”
Just weeks away from her 100th birthday on January 17th, TMZ was the first to report that the Golden Girls actress had passed away at her home on the morning of New Year’s Eve.
A source claimed to the publication that Betty did not have any illnesses and was reportedly not battling any particular ailment.
The beloved TV and film star reportedly died from natural causes.
The actress’ agent and friend Jeff Witjas released a statement to PEOPLE: “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever.
“I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much.
“I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden.”
Jeff concluded: “She believed she would be with him again.”
Tributes poured in on social media from Hollywood heavyweights and fans all over the world as they mourned the loss of the TV legend.
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