Jimmy Kimmel has addressed the backlash following a joke he made about former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani in response to reports that Giuliani has been hospitalised with pneumonia. On an episode of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* broadcast on May 4, the host expressed his initial reaction to the news of Giuliani’s health: wondering if he would be unfairly implicated in the matter.
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Kimmel, known for his sharp wit, previously joked about Giuliani, who is 81, during an episode aired on April 28. At that time, he commented on Giuliani’s critical remarks concerning his interactions with the Trump family. The comedian quipped that it was particularly ironic to be labelled “distasteful” by someone infamous for an embarrassing incident with Borat’s daughter.
However, the tone shifted when Giuliani’s hospitalisation news broke. Kimmel reflected on the inevitability of being targeted by those who would attempt to connect his comedic remarks to Giuliani’s medical condition. He stated, “Sure enough, one of these podcast bozos points to a joke I made about Rudy on Thursday about him being a vampire, and then suggests I might actually have some inside knowledge.” This comment highlights the irrational leap some critics took in trying to link his comedy with Giuliani’s hospitalisation.
During his monologue, Kimmel presented a clip of a discussion from a panel on the news outlet Newsmax, where Kimmel’s jokes were derided as “not funny”. The comments aimed to portray Kimmel’s humour as a disgrace, alleging that his jokes were offensive. The late-night host cleverly responded to the criticism, joking that he was “under the gauze of comedy”, explaining how this metaphorical veil often grants him ‘psychic abilities’ to foresee events before they occur.
Kimmel then transitioned the conversation back to Giuliani, expressing genuine hopes for the former mayor’s recovery. He remarked that Giuliani has “earned” a lengthy life due to his previous actions, referencing the infamous press conference held at a landscape company adjacent to a sex shop, which Kimmel described as “the funniest thing any person has done this century.”
The update on Giuliani’s health was provided by his spokesman, Ted Goodman, who confirmed on May 4 that the former mayor remained in “critical but stable condition” as he battled pneumonia. Goodman detailed the complications that arose from Giuliani’s history of restrictive airway disease, a condition that has exacerbated his current illness.
Giuliani’s extensive career includes notable moments, such as his efforts during the September 11 attacks, which Goodman highlighted as part of his legacy. The spokesman asserted that Giuliani is “the ultimate fighter” and conveyed a sense of optimism regarding his recovery. He noted that Giuliani is now able to breathe on his own and has the support of his family and medical professionals.
The sentiment from Giuliani’s family regarding the public’s outpouring of support was also emphasised, with Goodman stating that they are grateful for the goodwill directed towards the former mayor during this challenging period. He underscored Giuliani’s strong belief in the power of prayer, suggesting that this faith provides comfort as he continues to recover.
*Jimmy Kimmel Live!* airs on weekdays at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC, offering viewers a blend of current events and comedy. Kimmel’s recent experiences serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between comedy and sensitivity, particularly in light of health crises.