Jimmy Kimmel Apologizes for Last Week's LIVE Segment
Following ABC's apology for a segment broadcast on last week's Jimmy Kimmel Live in which a child joked about killing Chinese people to help erase the current U.S. debt, Jimmy Kimmel released his own statement on October 31. It reads:
"I am very sorry, and sincerely apologize to the Chinese and Chinese-American communities for any upset the "Kids' Table" skit that aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live on October 16, 2013 has caused."It was never my intention to upset anyone. The offensive comment, which was made by a six year old child during the non-scripted segment, never should have aired. No one on the team at Jimmy Kimmel Live or at ABC would ever purposely broadcast anything to upset the Chinese community, the Asian community, anyone of Chinese descent or any community at large. Please know that we have edited out that segment from our online and broadcast platforms moving forward.
"Yesterday, I met in-person with and apologized directly to many distressed individuals from the Chinese-American community. Those conversations were very productive and, as a result, we have also canceled any further "Kids Table" segments from our show.
"I hope the Chinese and Chinese American communities will accept my deepest, most sincere apology."
The clip was considered to be offensive to a group called 80-20 that identifies itself as "a pan-Asian-American political organization."
Meant to be a comedy bit, the video featured children commented on news events of the day. In a letter to the group dated Oct. 25, ABC said it would never intentionally do anything to offend the Chinese, Asian or other communities. The skit will be edited out of any future airings of the episode including online.Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live, ABC Television Network's late-night talk show. Now in its tenth season, JKL is packed with hilarious comedy bits and features a diverse lineup of guests including celebrities, athletes, musicians, comedians and humorous human interest subjects.
