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Why is Jimmy Kimmel threatening to sue Aaron Rodgers?
The popular talk show host is not everyone’s cup of tea and some friendly teasing of the NFL star has become nasty.
The entertainment world was taken aback when a seemingly playful feud between New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and comedian Jimmy Kimmel escalated into a potential legal battle. The conflict reached a new high during Rodgers’ appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show. Rodgers, known for his unfiltered remarks, implied that Kimmel’s name could be found on the late Jeffrey Epstein’s client list, a claim that holds serious implications.
Rodgers makes Kimmel-Epstein link
This feud traces back to March, when Kimmel, hosting his ABC late-night show, made light of Rodgers’ comments about UFOs amid the Chinese spy balloon scandal. Kimmel’s remarks were in his typical comedic fashion, suggesting Rodgers revisit concussion protocols – a jab at Rodgers’ profession and his conspiracy theory leanings.
“Needless to say, all this UFO talk has the tinfoil-hatters going wild, including Green Bay whack Packer Aaron Rodgers, who offered this hot take on The Pat McAfee Show,” said Kimmel. “Might be time to revisit that concussion protocol.”
Rodgers’ unsubstantiated dig came in his chat.
“There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, who are really hoping that doesn’t come out,” the NFL star said. “I’ll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle.”
Kimmel threatens court date with Rodgers
The tone shifted dramatically following Rodgers’ retort. Kimmel, usually known for his humorous take on events, responded with a grave seriousness, underscoring the severity of Rodgers’ accusations. He categorically denied any association with Epstein and warned of legal action, citing the endangerment to his family due to Rodgers’ “reckless words.”
“For the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein,” Kimmel wrote on X adding, “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.
“Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court.”
What’s happening with Epstein documents?
The mention of Epstein is particularly sensitive due to the ongoing legal proceedings and public interest surrounding his case. A federal judge in New York recently ordered the unsealing of nearly 200 names redacted from court documents in a lawsuit against Epstein’s former lover, Ghislaine Maxwell. The names, at least some of them, are expected to be revealed at some point in January.
This development has heightened public curiosity and scrutiny, making any allegations or insinuations regarding Epstein’s connections especially consequential.