Jimmy Kimmel Reads Donald Trump’s Message Defies Advice at 2024 Oscars: ‘Yes, I Am’
Jimmy Kimmel says he received an executive order (of sorts) before reading one of Donald Trump’s social media posts live on stage at the 2024 Oscars.
Near the end of Sunday night’s 96th Academy Awards, the returning ceremony emcee read a message Trump shared to Truth Social, which disparaged Kimmel’s hosting abilities. In an interview with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos that aired Monday morning, Kimmel revealed that he improvised after being told he had extra time to play with during the show but was ultimately asked not to read the note on the air.
During the 2024 Oscars, Jimmy Kimmel, the event’s host, revealed that he was explicitly advised not to read an actual social media post from former President Donald Trump on stage. Despite this advice, Kimmel decided to go ahead and share the comment that Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform regarding Kimmel’s performance as the host of the Oscars.
“They’re like, ‘You’ve got a little bit of time’, and I was like, ‘I’m reading the Trump tweet,’ and they’re like, ‘No, no, don’t read that,'” Kimmel said with a laugh, though he didn’t clarify who told him not to bring up Trump’s note. “[I was like] ‘Yes I am.’”
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Jimmy Kimmel Reads Donald Trump Message
The post from Trump criticized Kimmel’s hosting abilities, stating: “Has there EVER been a WORSE HOST than Jimmy Kimmel at The Oscars? His opening was that of a less-than-average person trying too hard to be something he is not and never can be. Get rid of Kimmel and perhaps replace him with another washed up but cheap ABC ‘talent,’ George Stephanopoulos. He would make everybody on stage look bigger, stronger, and more glamorous.” Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with the overall tone of the Oscars, calling it “disjointed, boring, and very unfair” and suggesting that the awards should go to those who truly deserve them.
Kimmel responded to Trump’s criticism on stage at the Dolby Theatre, looking into the camera as he thanked the former president for watching.
“I’m surprised you’re still [up] — isn’t it past your jail time?” he quipped, which prompted an uproar of applause from the audience.
During the ceremony, Kimmel read Trump’s post aloud, leading to laughter from the audience. He even quipped, “See if you can guess which former president just posted that? Anyone? No? Well, thank you, President Trump. Thank you for watching, I’m surprised you’re still — isn’t it past your jail time?”.
Despite backstage advice to avoid reading Trump’s rant, Kimmel defiantly shared it with the audience, emphasizing, “Yes, I am”. Critics generally praised Kimmel’s performance as the host, highlighting his ability to handle monologues and maintain a light mood throughout the ceremony.
In summary, Jimmy Kimmel Reads Donald Trump messages added an unexpected twist to the Oscars, sparking laughter and commentary during the live broadcast. The clash between the former president and the late-night host became memorable in the 2024 Oscars history.
