Nikki Glaser Slammed for 'Dumb' Joke About Influencer With No Limbs

**Nikki Glaser Apologizes to Trans Influencer After Controversial Joke**

Nikki Glaser took to the stage in Ridgefield, Washington, over the weekend and delivered a joke that would soon spark backlash. The comedian’s remark targeted Briel Adams‑Wheatley, a 27‑year‑old transgender influencer who was born without limbs.

Within hours, the punchline was circulating on Instagram Stories, and Glaser found herself issuing an apology that reached her audience—and the public—on August 24.

The controversy began when a fan forwarded a DM screenshot to Adams‑Wheatley.

The message read, “Were you aware you are a topic in Nikki Glaser’s current set?” The fan explained that Glaser had begun the set with compliments before joking that Adams‑Wheatley’s “hard life with no limbs” led her to transition, and added a crude comment about her “rub[bing] [her] penis off with the way [she] dragged herself across the room.” The influencer replied that she was unaware of any such jokes and expressed disbelief at what was said.

Hours later, Glaser’s own DM appeared in Adams‑Wheatley’s inbox. In a brief note, Glaser apologized, saying she “never meant to hurt your feelings” and clarified that the joke was a “dumb one.” She added that she “HATE anti‑trans jokes of all kinds” and insisted she repeatedly praised Adams‑Wheatley during the set.

The comedian concluded, “I love you and I’m so sorry.”

## Background & Context

Briel Adams‑Wheatley is a well‑known beauty influencer, motivational speaker, and digital creator. She frequently shares adaptive makeup tutorials and day‑to‑day videos with her 1.4 million followers on Instagram and 6 million on TikTok.

In a March interview with *People*, Adams‑Wheatley reflected on the early days of her online presence: “When I first started posting, I let everything affect me… I’d be crying in the bathroom over comments.

But eventually, I realized you have to protect yourself mentally.” She added that she now views criticism as part of the business, saying, “Thanks—you’re paying my bills.”

Glaser, 42, is a stand‑up comedian who has performed across the United States. Her comedy often includes observational humor and self‑deprecating jokes. The Ridgefield show drew a local crowd and was filmed for a broader audience.

Although the set was described as “light‑hearted” by attendees, the specific joke about Adams‑Wheatley’s disability and gender transition struck a nerve in the broader community.

## What People Are Saying

The fan who first shared the DM screenshot felt compelled to alert Adams‑Wheatley. The message, posted on Instagram Stories, read: “I didn’t like the jokes. Love your content, thought you should be aware.” Adams‑Wheatley’s reply was swift and skeptical: “Oh no.

What were the jokes she made about me?” She then posted the screenshot publicly, tagging Glaser and questioning her remarks about “what is or is not in my pants.” The influencer also noted that she had bought tickets for Glaser’s November show, adding that she was “really rethinking my plans.”

Glaser’s own apology was posted within the same day. She wrote, “Hey girl. I’m so sorry this got back to you like this,” and went on to explain that the joke was a “dumb one.” The comedian emphasized her distaste for anti‑trans jokes, adding that she had repeatedly expressed admiration for Adams‑Wheatley during the set.

She concluded with a personal apology, “I love you and I’m so sorry!”

The exchange has drawn responses from followers on both sides. While some fans welcomed the apology as a sign of accountability, others echoed the need for greater sensitivity when humor touches on disability or gender identity.

## What Happens Next

Following the apology, Adams‑Wheatley’s public statements suggest that she may adjust future plans regarding Glaser’s shows. The influencer posted, “I bought tickets for your show in November and now I’m really rethinking my plans.” No official statement has indicated whether she will cancel or attend the event.

Glaser has not issued any further public comments beyond the apology DM. Her social media presence remains active, but there are no announcements about a follow‑up performance or additional statements addressing the incident.

As of now, the matter appears to have been resolved through direct communication between the parties. No legal actions or public investigations have been reported, and both individuals continue to maintain their respective online presences.

In a world where comedy intersects with social media so quickly, this incident underscores how a single joke can ripple across audiences and prompt immediate dialogue—an exchange that, in this case, ended with an apology and an opportunity for reflection.