Jimmy Kimmel, known for his sharp wit and comedic timing, didn't hold back during Selena Gomez's 3rd annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit. On the evening of October 29, the beloved late-night host addressed the audience with his trademark humor, quipping, "I'm excited to be here. Honestly, after the month I've had, I'm excited to be anywhere!" His reference to recent show suspension antics brought the house down with laughter.
While making light of his show's hiatus, Kimmel shared a tongue-in-cheek remark about almost embarking on an OnlyFans journey. "I was this close to starting an OnlyFans," he joked, a line that resonated with the audience and was captured in a video by a news outlet. Kimmel's humor was a welcome distraction, and the audience couldn't help but chuckle at the idea.
“We have a very special event tonight filled with amazing stories from amazing organizations that the president wants to defund,” Kimmel said, taking a playful jab at then-president Donald Trump.
Kimmel wasn't just there for laughs; he also praised the progress made by Gomez's foundation in the mental health arena. He emphasized how crucial this work is, especially in the current climate. "This work the Rare Impact Fund does is needed now more than ever," Kimmel passionately expressed. He underscored the importance of supporting mental health initiatives, adding a personal touch to the night's proceedings.
Never one to shy away from political commentary, Kimmel took a moment to criticize Donald Trump, humorously lamenting, "It's very painful to see what's happening in this country right now, and we're not even allowed to take Tylenol for it." This comment poked fun at unfounded claims made by Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from September 17 to 22 was due to controversial comments made during a September 15 monologue. Kimmel's remarks about Charlie Kirk's death led Nexstar to put his show on hiatus, as they objected to his characterization of the events. Despite the backlash, Kimmel maintained that his intent was never to make light of Kirk's tragic death.
When Kimmel returned to the airwaves, he addressed his suspension with sincerity and gratitude. "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," he clarified, thanking the network for allowing him back. "It's been overwhelming," he admitted, emphasizing the importance of free expression in media.
Kimmel's performance at the charity event not only highlighted his comedic genius but also underscored the ongoing need for mental health support, making the evening as impactful as it was entertaining.