Jimmy Kimmel's Non-Apology to Sean Hannity Ends Weird Melania Trump Feud
TV host Jimmy Kimmel has announced he wants an end to his strange Melania Trump feud with Fox News host Sean Hannity because their battle is “harmful to the country.”
Kimmel and Hannity have recently been engaged in an online spat over the first lady that began when Hannity objected to Kimmel mocking Melania’s accent, describing the host as a “despicable disgrace” and the skit as racist.
The spat that blew up from the Melania impression included Kimmel suggesting Hannity was in a sexual relationship with President Donald Trump, in a remark that was slammed as homophobic, and which he mentioned during his apology tweet.
“Don't worry - just keep tweeting - you'll get back on top! (or does Trump prefer you on bottom?) Either way, keep your chin up, big fella..XO,” Kimmel wrote during the war of words, which also saw Hannity call Kimmel “Harvey Weinstein Jr.” over remarks he made in his comedy sketches and dredge up a controversial moment when Kimmel donned “blackface” for a skit.
But after the back and forth, Kimmel appeared to decide enough was enough—offering something resembling an apology.
"While I admit I did have fun with our back and forth, after some thought, I realize that the level of vitriol from all sides (mine and me included) does nothing good for anyone and, in fact, is harmful to our country," Kimmel tweeted.
re. @seanhannity pic.twitter.com/DMtWJTMsDU
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— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 8, 2018
"Even in 2018, the vile attacks against my wife and wishes for death on my infant son are shocking, and I encourage those who made them to give their words and actions thought,” he added, also apologizing for any remarks that upset the gay community.
“I, too, will give my words more though and recognize my role in inciting their hatefulness,” he wrote. “By lampooning Sean Hannity's deference to the President, I most certainly did not intend to belittle or upset members of the gay community and to those who took offense, I apologize.”
But despite his apology, Kimmel couldn’t help taking a little dig at Hannity as he said he had chosen to take Hannity at his word that he was offended by the skit.
“I hope that Sean Hannity will learn from this too,” Kimmel said, “and continue his newly found advocacy for women, immigrants and first ladies and that he will triumph in his heroic battle against sexual harassment and perversion.”