Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel is facing renewed criticism after remarks he made about the United States during the Academy Awards weekend, comments that many viewers say revealed just how far Hollywood comedians are willing to go to score political points.
During a red-carpet interview before the Oscars ceremony on Sunday night, the ABC star openly complained about the state of the country and suggested that America itself has become “ridiculous.”
Jimmy Kimmel Calls America “Ridiculous”
While speaking with Variety editor Marc Malkin, Kimmel was asked whether he felt exhausted by the current state of world affairs.
The comedian quickly answered that he was.
“Yes, I’m exhausted,” Kimmel said. “It’s ridiculous. We live in a ridiculous country.”
Kimmel continued by suggesting that the United States had always been somewhat absurd, but claimed the tone of that absurdity had changed in recent years.
“We always lived in a ridiculous country,” he said. “But it used to be ridiculous in a fun, Mr. T kind of way. Now we’ve got a different Mr. T.”
Many viewers interpreted the remark as a not-so-subtle jab at President Donald Trump, who has frequently been the target of jokes on Kimmel’s late-night program.
Political Jabs Continue On The Oscars Stage
Kimmel didn’t limit his commentary to the red carpet.
While presenting the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Film at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, he once again brought politics into the show.
Kimmel told the audience that some filmmakers take enormous risks by telling controversial stories.
“We hear a lot about courage at events like this,” he said. “But telling a story that could get you killed for telling it — that’s real courage.”
He then delivered another joke aimed at global politics and the media.
“There are some countries whose leaders don’t support free speech,” Kimmel said. “I’m not at liberty to say which ones. Let’s just leave it at North Korea and CBS.”
The line drew applause from many in the Hollywood audience. Actor Jason Bateman was seen standing and clapping following the comment.
Melania Trump Also Targeted In Oscars Joke
Kimmel also took aim at First Lady Melania Trump while discussing documentary filmmaking.
The late-night host joked that some documentaries highlight injustice and inspire viewers to take action, while others show “walking around the White House trying on shoes.”
The remark appeared to reference the recently released Melania Trump documentary, which premiered earlier this year.
The comment quickly circulated online and sparked criticism from viewers who felt the joke crossed a line by targeting the First Lady.
Long-Running Feud Between Trump And Late-Night Hosts
The exchange is just the latest chapter in the long-running feud between President Donald Trump and several late-night comedians, including Kimmel and CBS host Stephen Colbert.
Both hosts have frequently mocked Trump during their shows over the years.
Trump, in turn, has often fired back publicly.
Last year, the president reacted after Kimmel faced a temporary suspension following controversial comments related to the tragic murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Trump called the suspension “great news.”
The president also celebrated when CBS announced that Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” would be ending, though the final broadcast is not scheduled until later this year.
“I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” Trump said at the time. “His talent was even less than his ratings.”
Critics Say Hollywood Is Increasingly Out Of Touch
Kimmel’s remarks have reignited debate about whether Hollywood celebrities and comedians are increasingly disconnected from everyday Americans.
Critics argue that attacking the country itself — especially during one of the entertainment industry’s biggest events — reflects a growing divide between Hollywood elites and the broader American public.
Supporters of Kimmel say the comments were simply satire, something comedians have traditionally used to comment on politics and culture.
Still, the moment highlights how political commentary has become a central part of major award shows like the Oscars, something many viewers say they are growing tired of seeing.
As tensions continue between Hollywood entertainers and political leaders, it’s clear the clash between late-night comedy and American politics is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.