Television host Jimmy Kimmel has refused to apologise for his “expectant widow” joke about First Lady Melania Trump, made during a monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
He said the comment, referencing Melania and President Donald Trump, was a “light roast” about their age gap and was never intended as a call to violence.
Kimmel said the backlash only intensified after a social media storm and calls from the Trumps for his firing.
He defended his remarks, stressing his consistent opposition to gun violence and insisting the joke was misinterpreted.
He also rejected any link between his comments and a recent shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue, calling such claims unfounded.
The controversy escalated after Donald Trump criticised him on Truth Social and urged ABC and Disney to fire him, while Melania Trump accused him of spreading “hateful and violent rhetoric.”
Kimmel responded that free speech applies to all sides, including critics and comedians.
The dispute adds to long-running tensions between Trump and late-night television hosts. (ANI)
