Kimmel Fires Back at Musk's "Propaganda" Claim: "He's Just Mad"
Jimmy Kimmel has responded to Elon Musk's accusations that his show is "propaganda," dismissing the billionaire's claims and suggesting they stem from a bruised ego.
The controversy ignited after Musk, the CEO of Twitter and Tesla, took to the social media platform to express his frustration with Kimmel's recent monologue on the Tesla Cybertruck. In the segment, Kimmel poked fun at the truck's design, highlighting its unconventional shape and comparing it to a "toaster oven on wheels."
Musk responded by calling Kimmel's show "propaganda" and accusing the comedian of being "a mouthpiece for the woke mob." This sparked a back-and-forth on Twitter, with Kimmel later clarifying that his comments were meant to be humorous and not malicious.
"He's just mad," Kimmel said on his show, referring to Musk. "I mean, he’s a grown man who’s worth, like, $200 billion, and he’s sitting at home on Twitter, getting upset about a joke I made on a late-night show.”
Kimmel also suggested that Musk's reaction was a reflection of his increasing sensitivity to criticism. "I think he’s just a little thin-skinned right now," he said. "Maybe he should just get a thicker skin, you know? It's just a joke. I mean, come on."
This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between celebrities and the public figures they often satirize. While Kimmel's comments were lighthearted, Musk's response demonstrates how sensitive some powerful individuals can be to criticism, even in the context of entertainment.
Beyond the jokes, the incident raises questions about the power of late-night comedy in shaping public opinion. While Kimmel's show is primarily focused on entertainment, it undoubtedly has a significant audience, potentially impacting how viewers perceive certain figures and issues.
The debate over the role of late-night comedy in the public discourse is likely to continue, with the Kimmel-Musk exchange serving as a recent example of its complex dynamics.