Jimmy Kimmel’s Post-Election Reaction and the Shadow of ‘The Man Show’
By Archyde News Journalist
Kimmel’s Emotional Response to 2024 Election Results
the day after the 2024 election, Jimmy Kimmel, host of the late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, appeared visibly shaken while reacting to Donald Trump’s second presidential term. just days prior, Kimmel had urged his audience to “move on already” from Trump.
“It was a terrible night for women, for children, for the hundreds of thousands of hard-working immigrants who make this country go,”
Jimmy Kimmel
Kimmel continued, his voice thick with emotion:
“For health care, for our climate, for scientists, for journalists, for justice, for free speech.It was a terrible night for poor people,for the middle class,for seniors who rely on Social Security,for our allies in Ukraine,for NATO and democracy and decency. It was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him and guess what? It was a bad night for everyone who voted for him, to, you just don’t realise it yet.”
Jimmy Kimmel
This raw display sparked immediate reaction on social media, with many users referencing Kimmel’s past work on The Man Show, a Comedy Central program known for its overtly chauvinistic humor. The contrast between Kimmel’s progressive present-day stance and his earlier comedic endeavors became a focal point of criticism.
The emotional impact of election results can be notable, mirroring the national mood swings seen after significant events like 9/11 or economic recessions. For many Americans, their chosen candidate represents not just policy, but also deeply held values and a vision for the country’s future.
The Resurfacing Controversy of ‘The Man Show’
The Man Show, co-hosted by Kimmel and Adam Carolla, aired on Comedy Central and was described by Kimmel himself as “a joyous party of chauvinism.” The show featured segments with women on trampolines, objectification, and sexually suggestive questions. Clips from the show have resurfaced repeatedly, especially when Kimmel takes a progressive stance on social issues, leading to accusations of hypocrisy.
The show’s content has been viewed through a different lens in recent years, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement. What was once considered edgy humor is now seen by many as sexist and demeaning.
The controversy underscores a growing debate in American society about the evolution of comedy and the boundaries of acceptable humor. What was once considered harmless fun may now be deemed offensive and out of touch. This shift reflects a broader cultural awareness of issues like sexism, racism, and social injustice.
Examples of sketches that have drawn criticism include:
- Segments featuring women jumping on trampolines.
- Kimmel’s objectifying comments about women.
- “What’s in my pocket?” segments with sexual innuendo.
Kimmel’s Defense and reflections
Kimmel acknowledged the criticism in an interview with Rolling Stone, stating that it is “fair game” for Trump’s “defenders” to post those clips and call him a hypocrite. He defends the man show by suggesting it was “tongue-in-cheek” and meant to be self-deprecating.
“I think it’s kind of funny, because the very people who are using those videos as an example of why I’m a horrible person where probably the biggest fans of the show at that time,”
Jimmy Kimmel
He added:
“We did the show a little tongue-in-cheek. I mean, if you really watch the show, we are making fun of ourselves through almost the whole show. It was not meant to be taken literally that men are superior to women, but for some people, it was. … But you can pull things out of context and then they are taken literally. And that’s just how it goes.”
Jimmy Kimmel
This defense echoes similar arguments made by other comedians facing scrutiny for past material. The question becomes: can comedic intent excuse potentially harmful content?
In 2018, when fox News host Sean Hannity played Man Show sketches to accuse Kimmel of hypocrisy after Kimmel criticized Melania Trump, Kimmel maintained that he didn’t view the show differently than when it aired.
“That show was always tongue in cheek. And some people enjoyed it for the wrong reasons,”
Jimmy Kimmel
He further elaborated on the show’s evolution and eventual end:
“As the show went on, we refined it.The reason we left that show was as there was a specific day on which adam [Carolla] and I looked at each other and saeid, ‘It’s time to end this show,’”
Jimmy Kimmel
He cited a specific incident where the audience’s reaction to a joke made them realize it was time to move on.
Kimmel also revealed his emotional nature, admitting that he “cried on The Man Show” and that he struggles to control his emotions.
“I just have a hard time keeping my emotions within,”
Jimmy Kimmel
Addressing his emotional reaction to Trump’s election,Kimmel explained that he connects these events to real people and the potential for suffering.
“I try to attach these events to real people, and that’s what I did after the election, and I just know how much misery is in store for so many people and how needless it is,”
Jimmy Kimmel
Evolution of Comedy and Personal Growth
Kimmel, who apologized in 2020 for using blackface in a 1990s sketch impersonating Karl Malone, claims to have “matured” with his comedy.
“I won’t make a joke that I wouldn’t make if a person of that color or persuasion was in the room,”
Jimmy Kimmel
he also shared his perspective on “cancel culture”:
“There’s no black and white when it comes to comedy. There is no line. The line is different for every person. Dave Chappelle can say things that somebody else might not be able to. I don’t think anybody should be canceled. I really don’t.”
Jimmy Kimmel
This stance on comedy and personal obligation invites further analysis. While some argue that comedians should be given leeway to push boundaries, others maintain that they have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact their words can have.
In 2019, when asked if The Man Show could air today, Kimmel said:
“I think not only would it be possible, I think it would be more popular than it ever was,” adding, “there’s a certain portion of society that is outraged — behind the outrage — and I think they would probably find it to be exhilarating.”
Jimmy Kimmel
The Broader Context: Comedy, Controversy, and Cultural Shifts
Jimmy Kimmel’s situation reflects a larger trend of comedians and public figures facing scrutiny for past actions and statements. The rise of social media has amplified these controversies, making it easier for old content to resurface and spark outrage. this creates a challenging landscape for comedians who must navigate evolving social norms and sensitivities.
Here is a brief overview of key moments in Kimmel’s career:
| Year | event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-2003 | The man Show | Co-hosted the controversial show with Adam Carolla. |
| 2003-Present | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Hosts his own late-night talk show, often addressing political and social issues. |
| 2018 | The Man Show Backlash | Clips from The Man Show resurface amid the #MeToo movement, leading to accusations of hypocrisy. |
| 2020 | Blackface Apology | Kimmel apologizes for using blackface in a 1990s sketch. |
| 2024 | Emotional Election Reaction | Kimmel’s emotional reaction to the 2024 election results sparks renewed debate about his past work. |
