Kimmel Faces Backlash After Giuliani Joke Resurfaces Amid Hospitalization

Jimmy Kimmel is facing criticism again after an old joke about Rudy Giuliani resurfaced around the time news broke that Giuliani was hospitalized.

Last week on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kimmel joked that Giuliani had “risen from the grave” while talking about a separate dispute involving Donald Trump. A few days later, a spokesperson said Giuliani was in a Florida hospital in “critical but stable condition,” prompting backlash from some conservative commentators.

Critics argued that Kimmel often makes jokes involving death and said the timing of this one was inappropriate. Some even called for him to be taken off television. Supporters pushed back, noting that the joke was made before anyone knew about Giuliani’s health situation and saying it’s unfair to link the two.

The joke came after Giuliani had criticized Kimmel on his own show, calling him offensive and incompetent. Kimmel responded by mocking Giuliani’s past public appearances and behavior.

Kimmel has also been criticized recently for a separate joke about Melania Trump. Donald Trump has called for Kimmel to be fired, saying his show has low ratings and accusing him of being unfunny.

The situation has added to ongoing political tensions between late-night comedians and conservative figures.