The tension escalated between late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as Kimmel threatened legal action against Rodgers following an assertion that Kimmel's name would emerge in upcoming unsealed information related to a civil case linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. On "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers hinted at Kimmel's inclusion in court documents from a case filed against Epstein before his death, where over 150 names had previously been redacted.
Kimmel swiftly refuted the allegation by reposting a clip from "The Pat McAfee Show" on social media, denying any connection to Epstein. He stated, "I've not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any 'list' other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can't seem to distinguish from reality." Kimmel warned Rodgers that his "reckless words" put Kimmel's family at risk and threatened further legal action if such statements continued.
On the following episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," McAfee addressed the situation, acknowledging Kimmel's concerns and expressing regret for being part of the controversy. McAfee suggested that Rodgers might have been engaging in banter, but conceded that it may have gone too far, especially given the serious nature of the allegations. The apology aimed to distance the show from negativity and emphasized the intention to maintain an uplifting and entertaining atmosphere.
McAfee concluded by expressing hope for a resolution between Kimmel and Rodgers, urging a non-legal resolution through open communication.
This latest incident adds to the history of tension between Kimmel and Rodgers, marked by previous jabs from Kimmel regarding Rodgers' views on vaccines and UFO theories. The feud dates back to March 2023, when Kimmel labeled Rodgers a "Green Bay whack Packer" after comments made on "The Pat McAfee Show" suggested a conspiracy involving UFO news as a distraction from the Epstein list.
It's noteworthy that both Kimmel's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "The Pat McAfee Show" are owned by Disney, with the former broadcast on ABC and the latter on ESPN.