U.S. Presidential election, Jimmy Kimmel was visibly shaken on his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as he reacted to the news that Donald Trump had secured a second term in office. The comedian, who had spent much of the past week urging his audience to “move on already” from Trump, expressed his deep disappointment on air, getting emotional as he spoke about the results.
“It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hard-working immigrants who make this country go,” Kimmel said, his voice cracking with emotion. “For health care, for our climate, for scientists, for journalists, for justice, for free speech.
It was a terrible night for poor people, for the middle class, for seniors who rely on Social Security, for our allies in Ukraine, for NATO and democracy and decency. It was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him, and guess what? It was a bad night for everyone who voted for him, too. You don’t realise it yet.”
Kimmel’s impassioned words quickly sparked widespread attention across social media, as the comedian’s emotional reaction resonated with many who felt similarly devastated by the election results. However, the next morning, the late-night host found himself trending on Twitter—but not for the reasons he might have hoped.
Among the reactions to his monologue, many social media users resurfaced past footage of Kimmel co-hosting The Man Show, a now-defunct Comedy Central program that aired from 1999 to 2004. Some critics quickly seized on these old clips, accusing Kimmel of being a “hypocrite” for his progressive views, particularly in light of The Man Show’s controversial and often misogynistic nature.
The program, which Kimmel co-hosted alongside comedian Adam Carolla, has long been a subject of scrutiny, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Many of the show’s sketches, which often involved sexually suggestive humour and objectifying women, are now seen as deeply problematic. In one infamous segment, women in bikinis were shown bouncing on trampolines while the male hosts ogled them.
Other sketches involved crude, juvenile humour, like Kimmel asking, “What’s in my pocket?” while holding an object in his pants. These moments, which were once viewed as harmless comedy, have since become a flashpoint for critics who accuse the show of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing a culture of sexism.
For many, Kimmel’s emotional reaction to Trump’s victory felt at odds with the persona he had cultivated on The Man Show, leading some to call him out for what they saw as a glaring contradiction between his past and his current stance on social issues.
Kimmel, however, didn’t shy away from addressing the controversy. In a conversation with Rolling Stone, he responded directly to the criticism, acknowledging that the clips were fair game for Trump’s defenders but offering his perspective on the matter.
“I think it’s kind of funny,” Kimmel said of the backlash. “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.” Kimmel went on to explain that The Man Show was always intended to be tongue-in-cheek.
“We did the show a little tongue-in-cheek. I mean, if you really watch the show, we are making fun of ourselves through almost the whole show. It was not meant to be taken literally that men are superior to women, but for some people, it was.”
The comedian’s defense was grounded in the idea that the show was not meant to be taken at face value. Kimmel pointed out that The Man Show was intended as satire, poking fun at the very idea of chauvinism rather than promoting it. However, he acknowledged that for some viewers, the humour was taken seriously, and in hindsight, certain moments on the show might be seen as offensive or problematic.
Kimmel also touched on the way in which clips from The Man Show had been taken out of context to serve a political agenda. “You can pull things out of context and then they are taken literally,” he said. “And that’s just how it goes.” In his view, the criticism he was facing now was rooted in people cherry-picking moments from his past to discredit him, without understanding the intent behind the humour.
While Kimmel’s response was calm and reflective, he also didn’t shy away from acknowledging the more problematic aspects of his past. He didn’t try to downplay or dismiss the criticisms, but instead, offered a perspective on how comedy—and society—have evolved since the time The Man Show was on the air.
He admitted that some of the humour might not age well, but stressed that it was reflective of the cultural norms of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when The Man Show was created. He also pointed out that The Man Show was a product of its time, and that he himself had grown and changed over the years, both personally and professionally.
For Kimmel, the criticism over The Man Show seemed to come down to a basic misunderstanding of his intentions. He explained that his current stance on social issues and his role as a progressive voice in the media were informed by his own personal growth and the evolution of societal norms. “I’ve changed,” he said, “and so has the culture. I’m not the same person I was back then, and neither is anyone else.”
Kimmel’s explanation didn’t entirely silence his critics, but it did shed light on the complexities of his journey from The Man Show to his current role as a late-night host with a platform for political commentary.
The comedian’s career has spanned decades, and his views on social issues have undoubtedly shifted as the cultural landscape has evolved. Kimmel’s emotional monologue in the wake of the 2024 election reflected these changes, as well as his commitment to using his platform to speak out on behalf of those who felt voiceless or marginalized under the Trump administration.
Despite the backlash, Kimmel remains steadfast in his progressive views and his desire to see a better future for the country. His response to the Man Show controversy shows that he is aware of his past but is committed to growing and evolving as both a comedian and a person.
In the end, Kimmel’s comments about the election and his reflections on his past highlight a larger conversation about how people change and grow over time. While it’s easy to point fingers and call someone a hypocrite for their past actions, it’s important to acknowledge the possibility of personal evolution and recognise that, just like the rest of society, public figures can learn from their mistakes and make amends.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
