He apparently regretted lying down on the job.
Following fierce backlash, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has apologized to Quinta Brunson for interrupting her Emmy speech with a “dumb” stunt — which got him accused of exercising “white privilege” by social media critics. The comedian issued his mea culpa during Brunson’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Wednesday.
“Congratulations on your Emmy. I missed it, how did it go?” Kimmel, 54, quipped while welcoming the “Abbot Elementary” writer to the show. “That was a dumb comedy bit that we thought would be funny. I lost and then I drank too much and then got dragged out on the stage.”
The former “Man Show” host was referring to the now-infamous incident in which presenter Will Arnett dragged Kimmel by his feet onto the stage as part of a skit before announcing the winner for Best Writing in a Comedy Series at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. Arnett, 52, had joked that “Jimmy couldn’t be here tonight” because he had too many “skinny margaritas” after losing the Emmy for his late-night series for the “13th time in a row.”
When Arnett announced that Brunson had won the Emmy for her ABC series “Abbot Elementary,” Kimmel shockingly remained on his back in front of the microphone for the duration of her speech.
This resulted in fierce backlash on social media with many critics accusing the entertainer of epitomizing “white privilege” by ruining a black woman’s Emmy moment. The “disrespectful” stunt even earned Kimmel a tongue-lashing backstage by “Abbot Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Needless to say, “The Real O’Neals” star appeared to regret his award show antics.
“People got upset and said I stole your moment,” Kimmel told Brunson on the latest episode of his show. “Maybe I did and I’m very sorry if I did do that.”
He continued, “I’m sorry I did do that actually and also the last thing I would ever want to do is upset you because I think so much of you. I hope you know that.”
Quinta Brunson (R) accepts Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary” from Will Arnett (L) while Jimmy Kimmel lies onstage during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Getty ImagesFortunately, Brunson, who had previously stated that she didn’t mind the skit, accepted his apology stating: “Well, Jimmy, let me just say thank you. It is very kind of you to say that.”
“I honestly was in such a moment of having a good time, Like, I won my first Emmy!” the actress added graciously. “I was up there real happy and I was wrapped up in the moment and was having a good time.”
In fact, the comedy scribe even exacted revenge on Kimmel by interrupting the opening monologue, garnering audible guffaws and cheers from the audience.
“You’re a little bit early for your interview, it’s after the commercials,” observed the late show host as Brunson strolled on stage with her Emmy in hand.
“Oh I know but I have a little favor to ask actually,” retorted the “Big Mouth” actress. “So you know how when you win an Emmy, you only have 45 seconds to make an acceptance speech? And then you get less time because someone does a dumb comedy bit that goes on a bit too long?”
Brunson exacts revenge by interrupting Kimmel’s opening monologue with her Emmys speech.Jimmy Kimmel LiveShe then hilariously recreated her Emmy’s speech on stage to rabid applause, gushing: “Okay, so thank you — again — to the Academy for this amazing honor.”
“I’d also like to thank Randall Einhorn, Michelle Nader, Big Andy, Margie, Aaron Warrenberg and Channing Dungy, Persona PR, all of the fans of the show. And the Internet for raising me!” Brunson added to the applause of the crowd.
Kimmel ended the segment with a final apology, stating: “I was dumb, and I’ve got news: It’s gonna happen again.”
