Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has addressed the controversy surrounding his comment that First Lady Melania Trump looked like an 'expectant widow,' a joke made days before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. President Donald Trump and top Republicans have called for Kimmel to be fired over the remark.
Kimmel's Clarification
During a monologue on Monday night, Kimmel insisted his joke had been misinterpreted as a call to violence. He explained that the comment was a reference to the age difference between the president and first lady. Donald Trump will turn 80 in June, while Melania celebrated her 56th birthday on Sunday.
Kimmel told his audience: 'It was not, by any stretch... a call to assassination, and they know that I've been very vocal for many years speaking out against gun violence.'
Context of the Joke
The joke was made on an episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' days before the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday evening. Following the incident, Trump and his allies seized on the comment, demanding Kimmel's dismissal.
- Kimmel's joke: Melania had 'the glow of an expectant widow.'
- Trump's response: Called for Kimmel to be fired via social media.
- Top Republicans echoed Trump's demand.
Kimmel has a history of criticizing gun violence and has used his platform to advocate for stricter gun control measures. He reiterated his stance during Monday's monologue, emphasizing that his joke was not intended to incite harm.
