Jimmy Kimmel faced strong criticism from critics who accused the popular television host of not apologizing for wearing blackface in the past. Just one day after a 1996 Snoop song in which he uses the N-word to imitate George Wallace in 2013 surfaced online, Kimmel released a statement addressing his use of blackface during his tenure hosting.
Originally obtained by Fox News, the audio confirms that Kimmel used the N-word multiple times while trying to imitate rapper Snoop Dogg. Kimmel released a statement to Fox News, addressing his use of blackface while been involved with The Man Show as a host in the early 2000s, specifically while copying former NBA star Karl Malone.
Kimmel admitted that he has been reluctant to talk about this because he realizes his apology will be touted as a victory by those who consider apologies as a sign of vulnerability and cheer up leaders who use prejudice to divide people. In his statement, the popular TV presenter said he made a mistake by delaying the apology, adding that he apologizes to those who were hurt or offended by the makeup he wore or the words that came out of his mouth.
The show makers hired makeup artists that help Kimmel look as much like Karl Malone as possible. Kimmel said he didn't think that his actions will be considered as anything more than an imitation of another human being, adding that the makeup had nothing more to do with Karl's skin color than it did with his bald head and bulging muscles.
Recalling his earlier imitation of popular celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Oprah, Eminem, Dick Vitale, and Rosie, Kimmel said he thought of them as nothing more than enactments of celebrities. Now that he looks back at those acts, Kimmel says he feels flustered and is frustrated because some people are using these thoughtless moments as a weapon to sideline his criticisms of racial, social, and other forms of injustices.
The Jimmy Kimmel Live host says he has changed since his days on the Comedy Central chat show, he said his past use of blackface will be used to diminish his criticism for injustice and to quite him. He vowed that he will not allow people who promote outrage to back their oppressive and racist agendas to bully him into silence.
Aside from apologizing for the past events that may have offended some people, Kimmel thanked everyone for giving him an opportunity to explain. He still was criticized for focusing more on his critics rather than reflecting on his past faults.