George Clooney has come to the defence of Jimmy Kimmel after the late-night host faced backlash over a joke that resurfaced following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Kimmel had joked that First Lady Melania Trump looked like an 'expectant widow' during a monologue aired two days before the incident, which authorities are investigating as a possible third assassination attempt on President Donald Trump.
Clooney's Remarks at Chaplin Award Gala
Speaking at Monday's Chaplin Award Gala, Clooney argued that 'jokes are jokes' and compared Kimmel's quip to a remark by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt had said on the red carpet that she anticipated 'some shots fired tonight in the room,' referring to political barbs expected from Trump. 'Jimmy's a comedian, and I would argue that Karoline Leavitt didn't mean shots should be fired,' Clooney said, as reported by Variety. 'She was making a joke. Fair enough. You look at that side and go, "Well, jokes are jokes." But the rhetoric is a little dangerous. And we've seen it a lot lately.'
Call for Toned-Down Rhetoric
Clooney emphasised that extreme rhetoric 'can be toned down,' adding: 'When one side is calling anyone they disagree with traitors to the country, which is a charge that's punishable by death, just because they don't agree with someone, I think the rhetoric is a little too heated.' The actor, a vocal Democrat, also expressed unwavering faith in the press, noting his father's career as a journalist. 'You're not supposed to have a good relationship with government,' he said. 'You're supposed to be questioning them.'
Kimmel's Defence
Kimmel addressed the controversy on Monday's show, defending his joke as a light-hearted jab at the age difference between the Trumps, not an incitement to violence. 'I've been very vocal for many years, speaking out against gun violence, in particular,' he stated. 'I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject.'
Backlash and FCC Complaint
President Trump and First Lady Melania have called for ABC to fire Kimmel, and a complaint has been filed with the Federal Communications Commission seeking an investigation into the host. Kimmel's show was temporarily suspended last year after pressure from the Trump administration.
