Jimmy Kimmel is finally speaking out after getting called a hypocrite by Trump supporters who dug up old clips from The Man Show, which aired from 1999 to 2003. The late-night host has taken some heat lately over jokes from those early days — but now he’s setting the record straight.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Kimmel said he’s not shocked people are throwing those clips around, but he finds it kind of ironic. “It’s fair game. I think it’s kind of funny, because the very people who are using those videos as an example of why I’m a horrible person were probably the biggest fans of the show at that time.”
More: Britney Spears spotted with baby doll at airport—fans can’t stop talking
More: John Travolta breaks hearts with emotional birthday tribute to late son Jett
He explained that the show wasn’t meant to be taken seriously. “We did the show a little tongue-in-cheek,” he said. “If you really watch the show, we’re making fun of ourselves almost the entire time.”
“It was not meant to be taken literally that men are superior to women, but for some people, it was,” Kimmel said. He added that the whole tone was meant to be more like Homer Simpson — totally over-the-top and exaggerated.
Still, he gets how things look different now. “You can pull things out of context and then they’re taken literally. And that’s just how it goes.”
Kimmel’s been open about cringing at his past work before. Back in 2017, he told New York Magazine, “I look back at every show I’ve ever done and cringe. My vision of hell is a bunch of monitors with my old shows running on them. But yes, of course, and not necessarily for the reasons you think.”
More: Quinta Brunson hilariously confused by Bon Jovi and fans are loving it
More: Soulja Boy ordered to pay $4 million after abuse and assault lawsuit
Now that he’s older, he says he’s more mindful about his comedy. “I’ve grown up and matured. I wouldn’t make a joke if someone of that background or identity was in the room.”
As for the internet outrage, Kimmel thinks a lot of it isn’t even real. “I think a lot of the outrage is completely manufactured. A lot of these people who act angry online aren’t actually angry.”
And he didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on how comedy and politics have clashed. “I think these liberals who’ve done such a good job of viciously attacking comedians are a big part of the reason why Trump is the president right now.”
Whether you agree or not, Kimmel is clearly owning his past and not afraid to speak his mind.
You Might Also Like:
- Single Dad Lured to Fake Date and Murdered by Teen Girl’s Boyfriend
- Ben Affleck talks about Jennifer Lopez in a recent appearance
- “Trump Just Met His Match” Robert Reich Says China, Harvard and Supreme Court Are Ready to Crush His Power Plays
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘not worth the hassle’ anymore, says paparazzo
- Woman Dies After Fake TikTok Surgeon Allegedly Botches Butt Implant Removal in NYC Apartment