Jimmy Kimmel recently criticized Aaron Rodgers on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for implying that the late-night host had connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Kimmel, in his first show of the new year, suggested that Rodgers either genuinely believed Kimmel was linked to Epstein, which he thought was absurd, or Rodgers was simply retaliating for Kimmel’s previous jokes about his hairstyle and false claims about vaccination.
Kimmel devoted seven minutes of his show to respond to Rodgers, whom he labeled as arrogant and ignorant, even calling him a “hamster-brained man.” He expressed willingness to accept an apology from Rodgers, though he doubted one would come.
The following day, Rodgers, during his regular appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” clarified his comments. He stated he was pleased to confirm that Kimmel wasn’t on Epstein’s list and didn’t believe Kimmel was a pedophile. Rodgers mentioned Kimmel’s ability to read off a prompter despite a modest educational background and a team of writers. He expressed indifference to Kimmel’s opinions about him but emphasized the importance of understanding his actual statements.
On January 2, Rodgers brought up the “Epstein list,” which refers to unsealed court documents linked to Epstein and his criminal activities. He mentioned that many high-profile men were included in these files, but Kimmel was not one of them.
Rodgers initiated his comments on Tuesday by addressing the situation with Kimmel, partly to appease the ‘woke establishment.’ He traced their contentious history back to the COVID-19 pandemic when Kimmel joked about Rodgers’ stance on immunization. Rodgers felt that Kimmel’s attacks were unwarranted but wasn’t offended by them. He denied suggesting Kimmel had ties to Epstein, clarifying that his comment was about the anticipation surrounding the list’s potential release. He also stressed that he wouldn’t accuse Kimmel of something so serious without solid evidence.
Rodgers expressed relief that both he and Kimmel agreed on the severity of Epstein’s crimes. He hoped that Kimmel would show equal vigor in covering these crimes when more details emerge. Rodgers wished to resolve the matter and move on.
Kimmel, in his monologue on Monday, firmly denied any association with Epstein. He believed Rodgers’ accusation was either a result of genuine belief or spite due to Kimmel’s previous mockery, including a joke about Rodgers’ conspiracy theories regarding UFO sightings and the Epstein list.
Kimmel showed a clip from March 2023 where he mocked Rodgers for endorsing such conspiracies, even suggesting Rodgers needed concussion evaluation. Kimmel remarked on Rodgers’ high self-regard, believing his football success made him superior in intellect. Kimmel also criticized Rodgers’ views during the vaccination scandal, mocking his lack of formal education in science.
Kimmel concluded by saying Rodgers was too arrogant to recognize his ignorance. He was open to an apology from Rodgers but didn’t expect one due to Rodgers’ ego. Kimmel emphasized his own willingness to apologize when wrong and suggested Rodgers should do the same.
