I first saw Aubrey Plaza on Parks and Recreation. She played April Ludgate—sarcastic, cold, and always indifferent. It was funny at first. But lately, I keep hearing people complain about her behavior in real life. Not just roles or acting choices—her actual personality. She seems to have gone from quirky actress to someone many viewers find deeply annoying. Why?
To understand why Aubrey Plaza rubs some people the wrong way, I looked into her history of awkward encounters, controversial appearances, and moments that people just can’t stand. Turns out, it’s not just one incident. It’s a whole list of them.
Here’s what’s behind the dislike many feel toward Plaza.
The Infamous MTV Movie Awards Moment
One of the biggest moments that turned people off Aubrey Plaza happened at the MTV Movie Awards in 2013. Will Ferrell was on stage, accepting his Comedic Genius award, when Plaza awkwardly ran up to him, tried to grab the trophy, and spilled her drink.
The whole thing was supposed to be a joke—but it didn’t land. Plaza didn’t say anything funny, she didn’t explain herself, and she was quickly kicked off stage. Ferrell, visibly confused, asked, “What’s happening? Are you okay?” The audience felt just as lost. And Plaza’s stunt wasn’t appreciated.
Viewers at home were split between confusion and irritation. Twitter lit up with comments like “awkward,” “cringe,” and “rude.” Some even called her drunk. It seemed like she crossed the line between funny and disrespectful. Years later, people still cite this moment as a prime example of Plaza’s off-putting personality. Learn more.
Awkward Behavior on the SAG Awards Stage
Another widely discussed Plaza moment happened during the 2023 SAG Awards. Her series, The White Lotus, won the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. While her co-star, F. Murray Abraham, delivered a heartfelt speech, cameras caught Plaza looking visibly annoyed, even mouthing “Jesus Christ.”
Social media quickly pointed it out. Fans accused her of being disrespectful or bored. Later, her co-star Jon Gries explained he had just whispered to her about a potential wardrobe malfunction. But by then, the damage was done. Plaza’s behavior overshadowed the entire acceptance speech, reinforcing the image of her as rude or indifferent.
This wasn’t just about awkward humor—it was about respect. And for some viewers, Plaza seemed lacking.
Frustrating Red Carpet Moments
Plaza also has a history of strange interactions on the red carpet. In interviews, she’s often sarcastic, detached, or just plain dismissive. Fans of hers say that’s just her brand of humor. But not everyone agrees.
One notable moment happened when Plaza openly mocked an interviewer. When asked basic questions, Plaza interrupted, stating bluntly, “I don’t even listen to people when they answer.” This sort of humor might work on a comedy show, but in real life, it just seems rude.
Interviews are where audiences expect actors to be somewhat genuine. But Plaza maintains a persona that’s hard to read. It’s one thing to be sarcastic—it’s another to seem uninterested or mean. For some, Plaza crosses that line too often.
The Annoying Interview with Will Ferrell
Then there’s the infamous press junket for the film The Other Guys. Plaza repeatedly photobombed and interrupted Will Ferrell’s interview, hijacking attention away from him.
During the interview, Plaza moved behind Ferrell, popping her head into the camera frame, making weird faces, and distracting viewers. It was supposed to be funny—but it felt forced. She was trying so hard to be quirky that it came across as obnoxious. Ferrell seemed patient but uncomfortable. Many viewers called it unprofessional and embarrassing.
Why would Plaza sabotage her co-star’s interview? This question continues to frustrate fans of Ferrell—and fans of normal human interaction in general.
Controversial “Wood Milk” Ad Campaign
In 2023, Plaza starred in a controversial ad campaign called “Wood Milk,” sponsored by the dairy industry. The ads mocked plant-based milk alternatives by promoting a fake milk product made of wood.
Instead of laughs, Plaza faced backlash. People felt the ad was tone-deaf, unfunny, and unnecessarily dismissive of environmental concerns. It wasn’t just Plaza’s acting—it was her choice to be part of something seen as propaganda against healthier, environmentally friendly alternatives.
The commercial made Plaza the face of controversy yet again. Fans debated her role, criticizing her for lending her persona to a divisive cause. Her dry humor style, once again, was seen as irritating rather than charming.
Why Plaza’s Humor Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Aubrey Plaza built her career on deadpan delivery and sarcastic jokes. This style worked perfectly in roles like April Ludgate. But outside of those roles, it can fall flat.
The issue isn’t just that Plaza jokes around. It’s that she rarely breaks character. She maintains a distant, sarcastic persona in situations where warmth, kindness, or humility might be expected. The result can feel tiresome, forced, or even rude.
People expect sincerity in real-life moments, especially awards shows or interviews. Plaza’s constant “joke” makes her appear disconnected and uninterested. That’s why many viewers label her annoying, exhausting, or even unlikeable.
When Persona Becomes Problematic
Every actor has a public persona. Some are bubbly and friendly; some are serious and thoughtful. Aubrey Plaza’s persona is sarcastic, bored, and ironic. That’s okay for characters in movies and TV shows. But in real life, it can backfire.
When she interrupts interviews, crashes award stages, or openly mocks others, Plaza risks becoming more annoying than funny. Fans and critics alike have started asking: is she genuinely funny, or is she just rude?
For some viewers, the answer seems clear. Plaza’s humor style isn’t for everyone. But what’s becoming obvious is that more people are starting to find her irritating rather than entertaining.
Final Thoughts on Aubrey Plaza’s Behavior
So why do people find Aubrey Plaza annoying? Because she consistently crosses the line between humorous and disrespectful. Her attempts to remain quirky or ironic sometimes feel forced, and instead of laughter, they cause frustration.
Plaza has plenty of fans who appreciate her style. But for many, her real-life persona seems unpleasant. And that’s unfortunate because she’s clearly talented.
Maybe it’s time for Plaza to show audiences something new—less irony and more sincerity. Or maybe she’ll always stay true to her sarcastic self, regardless of public opinion. Either way, one thing is clear: Aubrey Plaza remains one of Hollywood’s most divisive personalities, annoying to some and endlessly fascinating to others.