Jimmy Kimmel denies ‘assassination joke’ as Donald Trump calls for his firing

Jimmy Kimmel has come forward in his own defense hours after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump called for the late-night host’s ouster from the show.

Following a weekend of intense backlash and a formal call for his firing from the President, the American comedian used his Monday monologue to defend the joke that ignited a national firestorm.

The controversy revolves around a segment aired last Thursday, just days before an assassination attempt took place at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Kimmel aired a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live! making fun of the annual dinner and addressing the first lady. He said, “You have a glow like an expectant widow.”

According to Kimmel, the joke was not meant to mock anyone, it was “all about their age difference and the look of joy we see on her face every time they are together.”

On Monday, the host also defended his right to free speech, stating, “As Americans, we have a right to free speech.” He also clarified that the joke was not “by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination, and they know that.”

Talking about his opposition to gun violence, prevailing in America, Kimmel stated, “I have been very vocal for many years, speaking out against gun violence.”

He also talked about the traumatic scene of shooting the President and anyone else who had to experience this.

Jimmy Kimmel’s joke sparked the wrath of the President and the first lady who called for his ouster from the show.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, “I appreciate that so many people are incensed by Kimmel’s despicable call to violence, and normally would not be responsive to anything that he said but, this is something far beyond the pale. Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC.”

On X, the first lady said, "People like Kimmel shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.”

Disney and ABC have not yet responded to these demands.