Jimmy Kimmel seeks apology from Aaron Rodgers over Jeffrey Epstein claims

Jimmy Kimmel asked Aaron Rodgers to apologize after for claiming that the late-night talk show host had connections with Jeffrey Epstein.

During the recent episode of  Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel  addressed Rodgers' accusations made on the Pat McAfee Show, where he  hinted at Kimmel's involvement with Epstein.

 Beginning the segment, the 56-year-old host said, "Thank you for joining us for the first show of 2024, which is already a crazy year, particularly for me."

Kimmel explained, "He said I was hoping it wouldn't and that he was going to pop a bottle of something to celebrate when he did, and then it did come out, and of course, my name wasn't on it and isn't on it, and won't ever be on. I don't know Jeffrey Epstein, I've never met Jeffrey Epstein."

"I'm not on the list. I was not on a plane or an island or anything ever, and I suggested that if Aaron wanted to make false and very damaging statements like that, we should do it in court so that he can share his proof with a judge," he added.

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The Windy City Heat producer also suggested that Rodgers may have made the claims because Kimmel  had   mocked him in previous monologues.

Adding that the 40-year-old footballer claims are "not an opinion or considered trash talk," Kimmel said, "I'm not one of those people who think athletes and members of the sports media should stick to talking about sports. I think Aaron Rodgers has the right to express any opinion he wants to."

He added, "And as far as the 'Well, you say things about people all the time' argument goes, yes, I do. It's not the same. It's not even close to the same, We say a lot of things on this show. We don't make up lies. In fact, we have a team of people who work very hard to sift through facts and reputable sources before I make a joke, and that's an important distinction - a joke about someone."

Kimmel further emphasized that he gives careful consideration to what he says about everyone and apologizes when he makes mistakes.

"Which is what Aaron Rodgers should do, which is what a decent person would do, but I bet he won't. If he does, you know what I'll do? I'll accept his apology and move on, but he probably won't do that. My guess is that he won't apologize. I hope I'm wrong," he said.

Kimmel reiterated these sentiments on social media, specifically mentioning  X, after the clip of Rodgers' interview went viral.