Jimmy Kimmel faces backlash over 'disrespectful' Emmys bit during Quinta Brunson's speech
And the award for most controversial Emmys joke goes to...
Jimmy Kimmel is facing backlash for a bit during Monday's Emmy Awards that didn't go over well with fans of Abbott Elementary. The show's creator, Quinta Brunson, won for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. But Will Arnett presented the award with a bit that involved dragging Kimmel on stage and pretending he had passed out from drinking too much. "This is like the thirteenth time in a row that he's lost, and he just got into the skinny margaritas back there," Arnett joked.
It was a fairly typical awards show bit, except that when Brunson's name was read and she came up on stage, Kimmel remained there for her entire speech. "Jimmy, wake up, I won!" Brunson said, but Kimmel committed to the bit and never got up.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The joke quickly drew backlash online, with some at home arguing it was in poor taste because it overshadowed Brunson's big moment. "Jimmy Kimmel should have left the stage during Quinta's speech," HuffPost's Philip Lewis tweeted. "Highly disrespectful."
But Brunson herself didn't seem to mind, telling reporters backstage the bit "didn't bother me that much" and praising Kimmel for supporting her show — though she noted, "I don't know what the Internet thinks."
"Tomorrow, maybe I'll be mad at him," she continued, joking, "I'm going to be on his show on Wednesday, so I might punch him in the face. I don't know. We'll see what happens."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Today's political cartoons - April 21, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - devilish decrees, biblical blunders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 carefully selected cartoons about the Trump-Daniels jury selection process
Cartoons Artists take on a stress-free life, rare peers, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Loire Valley Lodges review: sleep, feast and revive in treetop luxury
The Week Recommends Forest hideaway offers chance to relax and reset in Michelin key-winning comfort
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published