Jimmy Kimmel is demanding an apology from Aaron Rodgers after he suggested that Kimmel’s name would be implicated in recently unsealed Epstein-related court documents or the infamous ‘Epstein list’. The ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ host, 56, threatened legal action as a response to the allegations made by the NFL quarterback, 40, on The Pat McAfee Show last week.
“He said I was hoping it wouldn’t [come out] and that he was going to pop a bottle of something to celebrate when he did. And then it did come out, and of course, my name wasn’t on it and isn’t on it, and won’t ever be on,” Kimmel began on Monday’s episode of his late-night show. He explained that he didn’t know the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and had never even met him.
“I’m not on the list. I was not on a plane or an island or anything ever,” he clarified. “I suggested that if Aaron wanted to make false and very damaging statements like that, we should do it in court so that he can share his proof with a judge.”
Jimmy’s thoughts on quarterback Karen Rodgers… pic.twitter.com/mRh5VRUycz
— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) January 9, 2024
Jimmy Kimmel calls Aaron Rodgers ‘hamster-brained’
In his monologue, Kimmel suggested that “hamster-brained” Rodgers might be retaliating for past criticisms relating to the talk show host making fun of the New York Jets star for floating “this wacko idea that the UFO sightings that were in the news in February were being reported to distract us from the Epstein list.”
And while Kimmel acknowledged athletes’ right to discuss current events but emphasized the distinction between “trash talk” and spreading falsehoods. “As far as the ‘Well, you say things about people all the time’ argument goes, yes, I do. It’s not the same. It’s not even close to the same,” Kimmel stated.
“We say a lot of things on this show. We don’t make up lies. In fact, we have a team of people who work very hard to sift through facts and reputable sources before I make a joke, and that’s an important distinction – a joke about someone.”
‘Which is what Aaron Rodgers should do’
Kimmel concluded his lengthy monologue by suggesting that he should receive an apology from the New York Jets player. “Which is what Aaron Rodgers should do. Which is what a decent person would do, but I bet he won’t,” Kimmel said.
“If he does, you know what I’ll do? I’ll accept his apology and move on, but he probably won’t do that. My guess is that he won’t apologize. I hope I’m wrong.” Kimmel tweeted the video from his show with the caption, “Jimmy’s thoughts on quarterback Karen Rodgers…”
Rodgers implied Kimmel would be on the ‘Epstein list’
The response comes after the quarterback appeared on Pat McFee’s ESPN show last week and said, “There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, really hoping that [Epstein list] doesn’t come out.” Kimmel then immediately took to Twitter to dismiss the accusation claiming that he was connected to Epstein.
“Dear Aasshole [sic]: for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality,” he wrote in a tweet. “Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court.”
Rodgers has yet to officially respond to Kimmel’s comments but has made claims to address the situation on McAfee’s show on Tuesday.
Dear Aasshole: for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any “list” other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality. Your reckless… https://t.co/p8eug12uiS
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 2, 2024