In his return to the airwaves, late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel did not shy away from addressing the brewing controversy with New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The dispute, which flared up after Rodgers’ insinuations linking Kimmel to Jeffrey Epstein, was the centerpiece of Kimmel’s opening monologue on Monday night.
The altercation gained momentum when Rodgers, during a Jan. 2 appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show”, hinted at a list of Epstein’s associates that might include Kimmel, saying, “there’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, really hoping that doesn’t come out.” Kimmel swiftly responded on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, refuting the accusation and hinting at potential legal repercussions. “Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court,” Kimmel posted, emphasizing his non-association with Epstein.
Kimmel, during his monologue, clarified his stance, affirming no connection to Epstein, neither having met him nor visited his notorious locations. He suggested Rodgers’ comment was retaliatory, stemming from Kimmel’s previous jests about Rodgers’ vaccination status and unorthodox beliefs. “Either he believes my name was going to be on Epstein list, which is insane, or he’s upset because I made fun of his top knot and his lies about being vaccinated,” Kimmel remarked.
The host also replayed his earlier quips about Rodgers’ UFO conspiracy theory, then commented on Rodgers’ self-perception, “Aaron Rodgers has a high opinion of himself… He believes that because God gave him the ability to throw a ball, he’s smarter than everyone else,” Kimmel elaborated, critiquing Rodgers’ stance on scientific matters during the pandemic.
Kimmel concluded his monologue on a conciliatory note, indicating openness to an apology from Rodgers, though he expressed skepticism about its forthcomingness. “I’ll accept his apology and move on, but he probably won’t do that,” he stated.
The monologue wrapped with Kimmel redirecting attention to former President Donald Trump, highlighting his actual ties with Epstein, contrasting them with the allegations aimed at Kimmel.
Representatives for Rodgers have yet to comment on the matter.