Jimmy Kimmel Responds to Critics Who Resurface ‘Man Show’ Clips to Call Him a “Hypocrite”

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One day following the 2024 election, Jimmy Kimmel, the host of his own late-night program, stood on the brink of tears. Earlier in the week, he had implored his audience to let go of Donald Trump, but when he learned that Trump had secured a second term, his response was emotional.

It was a dismal evening for numerous groups, including women, children, immigrants, healthcare workers, climate activists, journalists, advocates of justice, free speech supporters, and the poor and middle class. It was also detrimental to seniors who depend on Social Security, Ukraine’s allies, NATO, democracy, and decency. In short, it was a disappointing night for everyone who didn’t support him, as well as those who did vote for him, even though they might not be aware of the negative consequences yet.

The following day, Kimmel found himself a hot topic on social networking sites. Many users commenting on his monologue pointed out his history of co-hosting Comedy Central’s “The Man Show,” implying that his post-election comments were hypocritical.

The once-popular talk show, previously co-hosted by Kimmel and Adam Carolla, was criticized for its outdated and chauvinistic attitude. Over time, especially following the #MeToo movement, the program has faced increased scrutiny due to instances like having women perform on trampolines or Kimmel making inappropriate comments about them or asking suggestive questions such as “What’s in my pocket.

People who disagree with his more forward-thinking statements made on Jimmy Kimmel Live! can now easily accuse him of being a hypocrite by pointing out the clips.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Kimmel asserts that it’s reasonable for Trump’s supporters to share the clips and accuse him of being a hypocrite since it’s within the bounds of fair discussion.

Kimmel pointed out an interesting contradiction: the same individuals who now criticize him based on clips from his show were once avid fans, he noted. The show, he explained, had a playful and self-deprecating tone, often poking fun at its own content. However, some viewers took certain segments literally, leading them to misinterpret the intended message as promoting male superiority over females. Kimmel added that people can easily twist words out of context and take them literally, but that’s just how things sometimes work.

Kimmel has cited The Man Show‘s “tongue-in-cheek” nature in the past.

In 2018, criticism against the TV show “The Man Show” arose during the #MeToo movement. At this time, Fox News host Sean Hannity aired sketches from the show to criticize Jimmy Kimmel for what he labeled as Kimmel’s persistent hypocrisy following his critique of Melania Trump, the first lady. However, Kimmel stated that his view of the show hadn’t changed since its broadcast compared to how he saw it back then.

He mentioned that the series often had a playful, ironic tone, which some viewers might have appreciated for less than admirable reasons. However, I believe many shows can fall into this category. It was a production that garnered popularity, we enjoyed working on it immensely, and I gained valuable insights throughout the process.

During the progression of the program, we made adjustments to it. The reason for our departure from that show was because there was a particular day when Adam [Carolla] and I both felt it was time to conclude the show, he reminisced. Adam was discussing the father of one his friend’s at that moment. He was criticizing this man, stating how foolish he was. This man had once said, “Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.” However, Adam intended this statement as an illustration of the man’s lack of intelligence, but instead, our studio audience found it amusing.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter back in 2011, Kimmel explained that the reason they stopped producing The Man Show was due to the unruly audience. He stated, “The viewers had reached a point where all they desired were women in bikinis, and their screams and yells were constant. It felt like preparing for a college football game’s tailgate just to attend the audience. Lines wrapped around the block to get into the studio, and men would be there drinking all day long.

Kimmel even points out in his Rolling Stone interview that he “cried on The Man Show.”

He shared that he often finds it challenging to control his emotions, much like his father. Admittedly, this trait makes him feel uncomfortable. However, he understands that others might find it endearing, viewing it as a positive aspect. If given the choice, he’d rather suppress them.

Speaking about his feelings following Trump’s re-election, Kimmel expressed, “I try to relate these happenings to actual individuals, and that’s what I did after the election. I’m aware of the distress that awaits so many people, and it’s needless. We had enough troubles before him. To think we’ve now added a new set of troubles seems senseless, and it’s disheartening. It’s overwhelming just contemplating the facts; it can really affect me.

In 2020, Kimmel apologized for wearing blackface to imitate Karl Malone during the ’90s, and a previously hidden sketch from The Man Show was brought back up. Later, Kimmel stated that he’s grown in his comedic approach as he’s gotten older.

I ensure my humor remains respectful and inclusive, the kind I’d feel comfortable sharing even if someone of that background or belief were present.

He stated, “Comedy isn’t about clear-cut boundaries; it varies from individual to individual. There is no fixed line. What Dave Chappelle can joke about might be off-limits for someone else. I firmly believe that no one should face cancellation. Honestly, I don’t think so.

In 2019, during an interview on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, Kimmel stated that if “The Man Show” were to air today, not only would it be feasible but potentially even more popular than before. He further expressed that there’s a certain segment of society that might find it provocative, and behind their outrage, they could find the show exhilarating.

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2025-04-15 20:55