Kimmel faces backlash for Melania joke made before WHCD shooting

EntertainmentPolitics
27 Apr 2026 • 9:04 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Kimmel faces backlash for Melania joke made before WHCD shooting

  • A joke made by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump having the “glow of an expectant widow” has resurfaced following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
  • Kimmel delivered the joke on his show days before the shooting, where a gunman reportedly targeted members of the Trump administration.
  • Supporters of Trump have criticised Kimmel for the joke, with some right-wing commentators calling for apologies or action against ABC, the network airing his show.
  • Critics on social media linked Kimmel's “disgusting joke” to the shooting, despite its prior delivery, and called for accountability.
  • This incident follows previous controversies involving Kimmel, including remarks about Charlie Kirk, and ongoing public exchanges between Kimmel and Trump.

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