By Gloria Ogbonna
Disney-owned ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is once again facing criticism after making a controversial joke about former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani — a remark that came just days before Giuliani was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
During Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel opened a segment by saying, “Last night, America’s mayor, Rudy Giuliani, rose from the grave to weigh in on the ongoing drama involving me.”
The comment was delivered as part of a broader back-and-forth between the late-night host and Giuliani, who had recently criticized Kimmel in strong terms.
Kimmel’s joke referenced Giuliani’s public response to earlier remarks made by the comedian. In a clip aired during the show, Giuliani described Kimmel as “maybe one of the most distasteful human beings in this country” and “an incompetent jackass.” The former mayor’s criticism stemmed from previous comments Kimmel had made about President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
In an earlier episode, Kimmel had joked about Trump’s death — comments that aired just days before the third officially documented assassination attempt against the president in less than two years. Kimmel had also referred to Melania Trump as an “expectant widow,” a remark that drew particular outrage from critics.
The timing of those jokes became even more controversial after a suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives.
Federal prosecutors have charged Allen with attempting to assassinate the president. Reports have also indicated that Allen was a donor to Kamala Harris and had participated in anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies. The incident marked what authorities describe as the third documented assassination attempt targeting Trump within a two-year span.
Against that backdrop, critics argue that Kimmel’s “rose from the grave” jab at Giuliani was ill-timed. Just five days after the episode aired, the 81-year-old former mayor was hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
In a statement released Sunday, Giuliani spokesperson Ted Goodman said, “Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak.” The statement concluded with a request for public prayers for “America’s Mayor.”
The controversy has also sparked renewed calls for accountability directed at Disney and ABC. Supporters of Melania Trump have reportedly organized a grassroots boycott of advertisers on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, citing what they view as a pattern of insensitive remarks. According to reports, Disney executives have previously expressed concern over the host’s commentary, with some suggesting the network could reconsider the show’s future.
This is not the first time Kimmel’s remarks have drawn scrutiny. Less than a year ago, his program was briefly taken off the air following comments related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Critics argue that the late-night host has repeatedly crossed lines by making jokes involving the deaths or attempted assassinations of political figures on the opposite side of the aisle.
Adding to the controversy, a video recently circulated online showing Alana Hadid, sister of models Bella and Gigi Hadid, dancing in front of a headline that read “Rudy Giuliani in critical condition in hospital.” The clip fueled further backlash among conservatives who view such reactions as inappropriate given the seriousness of the situation.
As Giuliani remains hospitalized, the debate over political rhetoric in entertainment — and the boundaries of late-night comedy — continues to intensify.
Source Brritbart
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