Donald Trump has called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired after the comedian made a joke about the President's wife, Melania, during a monologue before the White House Correspondents Dinner. The event was later evacuated due to a gunman outside.
What did Jimmy Kimmel say?
Two days before the dinner, Kimmel hosted an alternative version of the event, delivering a monologue for a fake audience including President Trump and Melania. He joked about the president’s age, saying: “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.” He also mocked her documentary, which flopped at the box office.
Trump's reaction
Melania publicly criticised Kimmel on Monday, urging ABC to take action. Trump went further, calling for the comic to be sacked, labelling his comments “a despicable call to violence”.
Kimmel's defence
Kimmel doubled down, telling his audience: “Obviously, it was a joke about their age difference and the look of joy we see on her face every time they’re together. It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he’s almost 80 and she’s younger than I am. It was not a call to assassination.” He noted his vocal stance against gun violence.
George Clooney defends Kimmel
George Clooney defended Kimmel, comparing the backlash to a remark by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said “there will be some shots fired tonight” before the dinner. Clooney said: “Jimmy’s a comedian, and I would argue that Karoline Leavitt didn’t mean shots should be fired. She was making a joke.” He criticised the White House’s rhetoric, calling it “dangerous” amid the Iran conflict.
Clooney added: “When one side is calling anyone they disagree with traitors to the country, which is a charge punishable by death, I think the rhetoric is a little too heated.” He stated he disagrees with everything Trump does but condemned the violence seen at the White House.
