- Jets QB Aaron Rodgers has sparked a controversy with his latest quip about comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
- Rodgers implied that Kimmel would benefit if the names of Jeffrey Epstein's associates stayed secret.
ESPN is grappling with a wave of backlash after Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made a bizarre and unfounded quip about comedian Jimmy Kimmel being linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Kimmel, who is one Disney's biggest names as the host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", quickly shot back that he would consider legal action after Rodgers made his comments on Pat McAfee's popular show.
"Dear Aasshole: for the record, 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 wrote on X, previously known as Twitter. "Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court."
Rodgers had claimed that the late-night host was "really hoping" that court documents related to Epstein and his associates that have been kept private would stay secret. Epstein died by suicide as he was awaiting a trial on charges that he sex trafficked minors. The documents were unsealed Wednesday.
"There's a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, really hoping that doesn't come out," Rodgers said." "I'll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle."
Amid an injury-derailed season, Rodgers has used his appearances to further his various feuds including with Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's former top medical advisor, and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Rodgers' comments about Kimmel come with the additional headache that the NFL star used a Disney-owned platform to attack one of the company's biggest stars. McAfee, who tried to calm the situation on Wednesday, has been positioned as a major asset for ESPN's future, particularly on its long-running "College GameDay" which anchors the network's college football coverage each week.
"I can see exactly why Jimmy Kimmel felt the way he felt, especially with his position. But I think Aaron was just trying to talk shit."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 3, 2024
Pat McAfee opens his show by responding to the fallout and threats of legal action coming out of his Tuesday interview with Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/UCv1yAp62Z
"Some things, obviously, people get very pissed off about, especially when they're that serious allegations," McAfee said. "So we apologize for being a part of it. I can't wait to hear what Aaron has to say about it. Hopefully, those two will just be able to settle this, you know, not work wise, but be able to chit-chat and move along."
ESPN is facing criticism from just about all sides over the dispute.
"Is @ESPN also oblivious that the Jeffrey Epstein case is about the rape of young girls? It is absolutely shameful that the network would allow anyone to exploit this tragedy for cheap political fodder," investigative journalist Julie K. Brown, whose reporting led to a reexamination of Epstein's conduct, wrote on X.
USA Today's Mike D. Sykes, II called for ESPN to kick Rodgers off the show for good. Front Office Sports' A.J. Perez mused that Disney CEO Bob Iger may have to get involved.
Representatives for ESPN and Rodgers did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
The New York Post previously reported that McAfee has paid Rodgers millions over the years for his weekly appearances that often spark headlines for their mix of NFL insight, politics, and often bizarre details about his life.