Jimmy Kimmel has faced severe criticism after joking about Melania Trump looking like an 'expectant widow' just days before a shooting erupted at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The comedian hosted a parody of the annual event on Thursday, which honors journalism and funds scholarships, when he made the controversial remarks about the First Lady.
Kimmel's Controversial Jokes
During the parody, Kimmel said, 'Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.' He then turned his attention to her birthday, adding, 'You know, Melania's birthday is on Sunday. She's planning to celebrate at home the same way she always does, looking out a window and whispering, "What have I done?"'
The skit occurred just days before gunfire erupted at the actual event on Saturday evening in Washington DC, where President Trump attended in person for the first time during his presidency. The shooting led to chaos, with Secret Service agents swarming the ballroom and attendees taking cover.
Backlash on Social Media
Kimmel's jokes were met with immediate backlash online. Larry O'Connor, editor of the conservative outlet Townhall, described the comedian as a 'broken man,' posting on X: '@disney, you have a problem.' Another user wrote, 'Kimmel is actually worse than the other "comedians." You can see the seething hatred on his face toward Trump.'
A third user commented, 'It's not even inherently funny. You have to be deranged to laugh at that. He's not broken. He's evil.' One user described the skit as 'sick and tasteless,' asking, 'Is it time for ABC to pull the plug on Jimmy's show?' Political commentator Link Lauren stated, 'Many in the mainstream media have stoked division and hatred for years. Jimmy Kimmel just made a disgusting "joke" about Melania Trump becoming a widow. After the White House Correspondents' Dinner and what transpired with President Trump, now they suddenly want to act shocked.'
The Shooting Incident
Guests barely had time to start their appetizers before Secret Service agents flooded the Washington Hilton ballroom following a series of loud noises. The event, attended by top journalists, Hollywood celebrities, and Cabinet members including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, descended into pandemonium. Footage showed guests in formal attire huddling under tables as agents patrolled the floor.
The shooter, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, breached the security checkpoint before being subdued by law enforcement. A Secret Service agent was shot but is expected to recover, thanks to a bulletproof vest. President Trump, still in his tuxedo, addressed the nation two hours later, saying, 'When you're impactful, they go after you. They seem to think he was a lone wolf. We're not going to let anybody take over our society.' He praised the wounded officer, noting, 'I just spoke to the officer and he's doing great.'
Aftermath and Rescheduling
The White House confirmed that the dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, promising a 'bigger and better' event. Meanwhile, authorities discovered a chilling manifesto written by Allen, who sent disturbing writings to his family before the attack. His brother alerted police minutes before the incident. Trump expressed frustration that federal authorities were not informed earlier.
Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California, attempted to storm the security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives. He exchanged fire with Secret Service agents before being arrested. No one else was harmed. The incident occurred at the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981, an eerie historical parallel noted by attendees.
The Daily Mail reached out to ABC for comment on Kimmel's jokes but has not received a response.
