When Aaron Rodgers hinted at Epstein connections and Jimmy Kimmel gave him a fiery public takedown
In early 2024, late-night television and the NFL world collided in a fiery exchange after Aaron Rodgers sparked controversy with a provocative comment about Jimmy Kimmel during an episode of The Pat McAfee Show.
What followed was a whirlwind of accusations, public outrage, and a stern legal warning — all centered around the unsealing of court documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Remember when Aaron Rodgers made headlines linking Jimmy Kimmel to Epstein and Kimmel fired back hard?
During the January appearance on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers — the now Steelers joinee quarterback delved into conspiracy-laden territory. The discussion touched on the much-anticipated release of names linked to Epstein's notorious network, when Rodgers casually tossed out a claim that raised more than a few eyebrows.
'There's a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, that are really hoping that (list) doesn't come out,' he remarked.
With a grin, he added, 'If that list comes out, I will definitely be popping some sort of bottle.'
The backlash was swift.
Jimmy Kimmel Blasts Aaron Rodgers On Air After Jeffrey Epstein Claim | THR News
Jimmy Kimmel, a frequent critic of Rodgers in recent years, didn't hesitate to respond. In a blistering post on X (formerly Twitter), the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host hit back with force: 'For the record, I've not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any 'list' other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can't seem to distinguish from reality.
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" He didn't stop there. Kimmel accused Rodgers of endangering his family and warned, "Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court."
Rodgers, known for his polarizing takes both on and off the field, did not issue a public response immediately. His silence, however, did little to quell the escalating tension.
Caught in the crossfire, Pat McAfee tried to offer some perspective. On the following day's show, McAfee clarified Rodgers' tone while extending an olive branch of sorts.
'I can see exactly why Jimmy Kimmel felt the way he felt, especially with his position,' he said. 'But I think Aaron was just trying to talk s---. Now, did it go too far? A lot of people – Jimmy Kimmel certainly said that was the case." He wrapped up the segment with a direct apology: 'We apologize for being part of it.
'
This wasn't the first chapter in the ongoing war of words between Kimmel and Rodgers. Their history traces back to 2021, when Kimmel openly criticized Rodgers for misleading the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, the then-Packers quarterback claimed he was 'immunized,' though he had not received the vaccine. Kimmel didn't hold back, calling out Rodgers' disinformation on national television.
The tension reignited in 2023 when Rodgers once again drew skepticism by suggesting that rising UFO chatter was being used to divert attention from Epstein's client list. 'Needless to say, all this UFO talk has the tin foil hatters going wild, including whack-Packer Aaron Rodgers,' Kimmel quipped during his monologue.
"It may be time to revisit that concussion protocol, Aaron."
By January 2024, over 900 pages of documents from a settled civil suit involving Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell were unsealed, revealing more than 100 names. Yet, as many quickly noted, Jimmy Kimmel's name was not among them.
Also Read:
Aaron Rodgers contract details: Why the Steelers' one-year gamble could define their season and legacy
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