John Oliver Weighs in on Former Prince Andrew’s Arrest Over a “Boring Computer Crime”: “The Method Doesn’t Matter … You Have Been Stopped”

Hollywood Reporter

by Kimberly Nordyke

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

John Oliver weighed in on the arrest of Prince Andrew, the former son of Queen Elizabeth II and brother of King Charles III, during his Sunday episode of *Last Week Tonight*. The Duke of York was arrested in the U.K. over allegations of misconduct in public office linked to emails he forwarded to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the U.K. trade envoy. Oliver humorously referred to the situation as a “boring computer crime,” noting that the method used to bring down Andrew doesn’t matter—only that justice is served. He mocked the media’s use of “alleged” when describing Andrew and Epstein’s close relationship, suggesting their connection was clear enough to drop the caveat. Oliver also highlighted the absurdity of the situation by comparing it to a toddler tantrum being ended with a cardboard box, emphasizing that the outcome is what matters. The arrest stems from emails dating as far back as 2010, which included documents from Andrew’s overseas trips. While Oliver admitted the evidence was underwhelming, he argued that even minor crimes are still crimes and should be taken seriously. He also referenced a report from Australia’s *60 Minutes*, in which a former security officer revealed that Andrew’s nickname among staffers was “the c***.” Oliver joked about the officer’s hesitation to say the word on TV, given how commonly it is used in Australian culture. Oliver’s commentary underscores the broader entertainment relevance of the story, as it combines high-profile figures from both royalty and media. The scandal has been a long-standing issue for Andrew, who lost his royal titles due to his ties to Epstein. While he maintains his innocence, the arrest and subsequent media coverage have kept him in the public eye, making the situation a hot topic for entertainment and news audiences alike. Oliver’s take adds a satirical edge, blending humor with critique of the legal system and media reporting, which resonates with fans of his show who appreciate his unique perspective on current events.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/23/2026