Jimmy Kimmel has responded to accusations of a “call to violence” over a recent comment he made about Melania Trump, clarifying his joke. The late-night host’s remark came a couple of days before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which was interrupted by an armed individual who is now in federal custody.

While the POTUS and FLOTUS condemned Kimmel’s remarks, other celebrities have come to the comedian’s defense, expressing support and pushing back against the backlash surrounding them.

Jimmy Kimmel Said His Comment Was ‘Obviously’ A Joke

During the opening monologue of the April 27 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” the host addressed a comment he made on a previous show, in which he described Melania Trump as having “a glow like an expectant widow.” At the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held on April 25, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen was apprehended for attempting to assassinate the POTUS, and President Trump and Melania are urging ABC to fire the comedian for his remarks.

Kimmel said his comment was “obviously a joke about their age difference” and not a call for assassination. “It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he’s almost 80 and she’s younger than I am,” the 58-year-old host explained.

Kimmel said he’s been speaking out against gun violence over the years and addressed Melania, saying, “I am sorry that you and the president and everyone in that room on Saturday went through that. I really am.”

The Host Joked About ‘Psychic Lady’ Karoline Leavitt

Kimmel continued to say that if people believed his “expectant widow” comment resulted in the WHCD shooting, then they should also consider looking at White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “Maybe you should look into this psychic lady, too,” the host said, leading into a video of Leavitt being interviewed by Fox News ahead of the WHCD, in which she said, “It’ll be funny, it’ll be entertaining. There will be some shots fired tonight.”

A source close to Kimmel told the Daily Mail that the host isn’t worried, and he and his team had “a good laugh” about Trump and Melania’s reactions to his joke. “These people can dish it out and they can’t take it at all – they’re the real snowflakes,” the source added.

Donald And Melania Trump Want Jimmy Kimmel Fired

Following the WHCD shooting, Melania took to X and called Kimmel’s comment a “hateful and violent rhetoric,” adding that he was a “coward” who hides behind the ABC network, as The Blast previously reported. “Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community,” Melania wrote.

Trump, on the other hand, posted on Truth Social, condemning Kimmel’s remark and saying that just days after, an armed “lunatic” interrupted the WHCD “for a very obvious and sinister reason.” Trump said the host’s remark was a “despicable call to violence” and called for Disney and ABC to fire the host “immediately.”

Many Speak Out In Defense Of Jimmy Kimmel

The Committee for the First Amendment, a free speech group headed by actress Jane Fonda, defended the host against Trump’s call for firing and urged the ABC network to hold firm and advocate for free speech.

“In America, satire is not a crime. The right to mock, to challenge, and yes, to offend those in power, is foundational to democracy,” the committee said in a statement, per NBC News. The group also noted that the Trumps’ calls are from the “same old, tired, authoritarian playbook” and called for ABC not to be swayed by the president.

At the 51st Chaplin Award Gala on April 27, George Clooney also spoke about the Kimmel fiasco, saying, “Jimmy’s a comedian, and I would argue that Karoline Leavitt didn’t mean shots should be fired… When one side is calling anyone they disagree with traitors to the country, which is a charge that’s punishable by death, just because they don’t agree with someone, I think the rhetoric is a little too heated,” the actor said.

Jimmy Kimmel Faced Suspension In The Past

In September 2025, the late-night host was suspended after comments he made following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC faced backlash over its decision, and many celebrities signed an open letter in support of Kimmel.

The letter, organized by the American Civil Liberties Union, noted that Kimmel’s firing was a “dark moment for freedom of speech.” Some of the celebrities who signed it include Jennifer Aniston, Ben Stiller, Bryan Cranston, Sharon Stone, Robert DeNiro, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Kimmel returned to his hosting duties a few days after his suspension, and according to reports, he extended his contract with ABC until May 2027.