Jimmy Kimmel Faces Backlash After ‘Expectant Widow’ Joke About Melania Trump Resurfaces Following WHCD Scare

Late-night presenter Jimmy Kimmel is facing renewed backlash for his comments about First Lady Melania Trump on his show. The previously overlooked remarks resurfaced after the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD). In an episode aired last week, he described Melania as the “expectant widow,” and now, in the aftermath of the attack, the internet users criticized the show host.

In the Thursday episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! aired last week (April 23), the show host delivered a satirical version of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One of Jimmy Kimmel's sharpest lines was a jab that has brought him under fire. He said, “Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”

After the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD), Kimmel’s clip from the episode went viral, and internet users expressed anger over his comments.

A user wrote, “@Disney @ABC Enough is enough. You have been enabling this for years, and it has poisoned our society. It is time for you to do something about it.” Another user commented, “Jimmy Kimmel is an unfunny and vile human - a great example of what not to be when given a big-budget, network TV platform.” A third user added, “This is demonic. We need to call it for what it is.”

Another user wrote, “@Disney, you’re ok with this?? Does this sound like comedy? And just a few days later, an attempt on his life?” One more user added, “Wow that is disgusting and completely vile. What a horrific thing for any human to think let alone say. This needs to stop.”

Meanwhile, political analyst Link Loomer also called out Kimmel for his comments. He wrote, “Many in the mainstream media have stoked division and hatred for years. Jimmy Kimmel just made a disgusting “joke” about Melania Trump becoming a widow. After the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and what transpired with President Trump, now they suddenly want to act shocked.”

Melania’s birthday was Sunday, but there were no posts after the attack. Meanwhile, Kimmel, during his monologue, had also joked about the former Slovenian model’s birthday celebration. He said, “You know, Melania’s birthday is on Sunday. She’s planning to celebrate at home the same way she always does, looking out a window and whispering, ‘What have I done?’

According to reports, sudden loud noises prompted attendees to seek cover under the tables, while Secret Service agents gathered inside the ballroom. A 31-year-old Cole Allen, who was identified as the suspected shooter, was captured in the lobby and taken into custody.

According to the New York Post, President Donald Trump spoke with reporters at the White House after the attack. He said that the first lady had a “traumatic experience” as she immediately pointed out that it was a “bad noise.” Trump added, “Melania was very cognizant. It was a rather traumatic experience for her.” DC Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll informed the reporters that Allen was found armed with a “shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives.”