By Gloria Ogbonna
Disney’s late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is once again facing criticism after making what many are calling an ill-timed joke — this time targeting former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani just days before he was hospitalized in critical condition.
During Tuesday’s episode of ABC’s 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 remark drew immediate attention, as it appeared to mock Giuliani’s age and health.
Kimmel’s comment came amid a public feud between the two. The late-night host aired a clip of Giuliani sharply criticizing him, with the former mayor calling Kimmel “maybe one of the most distasteful human beings in this country” and “an incompetent jackass.” Giuliani’s remarks were in response to Kimmel’s earlier comments about First Lady Melania Trump, whom Kimmel had referred to as an “expectant widow.”
Those comments were made shortly before a disturbing security incident involving suspect Cole Tomas Allen, who allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives. Federal prosecutors have since charged Allen with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump. Authorities have also noted that Allen had reportedly donated to Vice President Kamala Harris and participated in anti-Trump “No Kings” protests.
Critics argue that Kimmel’s pattern of joking about political figures’ deaths or misfortune has become increasingly troubling, especially given the heightened tensions surrounding multiple threats against Trump in recent years. The alleged assassination attempt involving Allen marks the third officially documented attempt on the president’s life in less than two years.
Adding to the controversy, Kimmel’s “rose from the grave” joke aired just five days before Giuliani, 81, was rushed to the hospital in critical but stable condition. His spokesperson, Ted Goodman, released a statement on Sunday saying, “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. We do ask that you join us in prayer for America’s Mayor — Rudy Giuliani.”
The timing of Kimmel’s remarks has prompted renewed outrage from Giuliani’s supporters and conservative viewers, some of whom have accused the comedian of crossing ethical lines in pursuit of political satire.
Meanwhile, supporters of First Lady Melania Trump have reportedly organized a grassroots boycott of advertisers associated with Jimmy Kimmel Live! amid claims that Disney executives are considering the show’s future following repeated controversies.
This is not the first time Kimmel has drawn backlash for jokes about politically sensitive topics. Less than a year ago, his show was briefly taken off the air following comments he made after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Observers have pointed out what they describe as a recurring pattern in which the comedian makes jokes involving violence or death directed at figures across the political aisle.
The controversy has also extended beyond Kimmel. Alana Hadid, sister of models Bella and Gigi Hadid, recently drew criticism after a video surfaced showing her dancing in front of a headline that read, “Rudy Giuliani in critical condition in hospital.”
As political rhetoric continues to intensify nationwide, critics on both sides warn that humor tied to threats of violence or serious health crises risks further deepening divisions at an already volatile moment in American public life.
Source Breitbart