“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” talk show host Jimmy Kimmel addressed a claim made by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during his broadcast about Kimmel’s ties to late convicted sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein.
On Monday, Kimmel, 56, addressed Rodgers,’ 40, accusation against him concerning the newly released list of high-profile people rumored to have been linked with Epstein at the top of his “first show of 2024.”
“He said I was hoping it wouldn’t 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. I don’t know Jeffrey Epstein, I’ve never met Jeffrey Epstein,” Kimmel explained.
He continued, “I’m not on the list. I was not on a plane or an island or anything ever, and 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 like a judge.”
Jimmy’s thoughts on quarterback Karen Rodgers… pic.twitter.com/mRh5VRUycz
— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) January 9, 2024
Additionally, Kimmel noted that “a lot of delusional people honestly believe” he is “meeting up with Tom Hanks and Oprah at Shakey’s once a week to eat pizza and drink the blood of children.”
“I’m not one of those people who think athletes and members of the sports media should stick to talking about sports,” Kimmel later clarified. “I think Aaron Rodgers has the right to express any opinion he wants to.”
However, he stated that Rodgers’ claim “is not an opinion” or “trash talk” per the words of ESPN host Pat McAfee, who addressed the allegations Rodgers made during his appearance on his show the “Pat McAfee Show” on Jan. 2.
Kimmel continued:
“And 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. 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.”
Furthermore, he said Rodgers should apologize for his misinformation.
“Which is what a decent person would do, but I bet he won’t. If he does, you know what I’ll do? I’ll accept his apology and move on, but he probably won’t do that,” he told the audience.
However, Kimmel said, “My guess is that he won’t apologize. I hope I’m wrong.”
This came after Rodgers accused Kimmel of being on the Epstein list while on McAfee’s show.
“There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, are hoping that doesn’t come out,” he alleged.
Hours later, Kimmel responded to Rodgers’ claim on X, formerly Twitter.
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
“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,” he wrote.
Kimmel also threatened to sue him over his allegation.
“Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court [Aaron Rodgers].”