A new clash between late-night television and cable news unfolded after Jimmy Kimmel addressed criticism of his show’s political focus during a recent podcast appearance. His comments quickly drew a sharp response from Greg Gutfeld, who weighed in during an episode of The Five.
The exchange centers on Kimmel’s defense of his approach to comedy, particularly his decision to incorporate political commentary into his show, and Gutfeld’s reaction to those remarks.
Kimmel Defends His Role on Podcast
During a conversation on Michelle Obama’s podcast, Kimmel addressed viewers who have criticized the tone and direction of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Responding directly to those comments, he stated, “First of all, don’t tell me what my job is. I don’t tell you what your job is. My job is whatever I decide my job is, whatever my employer allows me to do. That’s what my job is.”
Kimmel also emphasized his belief that discussing political issues is part of his responsibility as a host. “My job is to talk about what is going on in people’s lives and these are things that I take very seriously,” he said, adding that he would consider it “shameful” not to speak about such topics.
Gutfeld Responds on The Five
Gutfeld addressed Kimmel’s remarks during the April 17 episode of The Five, offering a critical perspective on the comedian’s stance. While acknowledging Kimmel’s right to shape his own show, he argued that public figures must also accept audience feedback.
“Look, he is right,” Gutfeld said. “He doesn’t have to listen to criticism, but then don’t complain about it. You can do what you want and we can tell you what sucks. You get paid handsomely so take it like a man and stop blubbering.”
He continued by contrasting Kimmel’s position with that of everyday workers, stating, “People get criticized every day who make 1/100th of what you make in menial jobs and they don’t complain about the complaints.”
Gutfeld also suggested that Kimmel would have a different perspective if he experienced criticism from another political angle, adding, “You don’t even know criticism. Try being a right winger for a year.”
Ongoing Tensions and Broader Criticism
The segment also touched on broader tensions surrounding political commentary in entertainment. Gutfeld accused Kimmel of crossing a line in past remarks, referencing a previous controversy connected to comments about the Trump administration and the death of Charlie Kirk.
“I only complain when one of my friends gets shot and killed and you make up stories about it,” Gutfeld said. He went on to criticize Kimmel’s comedic approach more generally, adding, “My feeling is, he’s hopeless because he’s decided he’s too important to be funny. He’s incapable of self-deprecation, he can’t poke fun at himself and he lost the ability to be silly.”
Gutfeld contrasted that with his own approach, saying, “I am a fool. I’m the first to admit it. I embrace it. The less important you think I am the better it is for me. No one mocks me more than me and most of the insults directed at me from critics they took from me.”
The exchange highlights a continuing divide over the role of politics in late-night television, with both figures defending their positions while openly challenging each other’s approach.
