Pat McAfee apologizes for Aaron Rodgers’ comments about Jimmy Kimmel
Pat McAfee apologized afterwards Aaron Rodgers claimed that on his show Jimmy Kimmel was on a list of people associated with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
McAfee, 36, addressed the controversy during the Wednesday, January 3, episode of his untitled show on ESPN and suggested it was a joke that went too far.
“I can see exactly how Jimmy Kimmel felt, especially with his position, but I think Aaron was trying to talk. Did it go too far now? Jimmy Kimmel certainly said that was the case,” McAfee said. “We obviously don’t like to be associated with anything negative. We like our show to be uplifting, upbeat and fun, but that’s because we talk and try to make light of everything.
During the Tuesday, Jan. 2 episode of McAfee’s show, Rodgers, 40, discussed a conspiracy theory that claims the NFL’s Super Bowl decals predict which teams will play in the big game that season. Cohost AJ Hawk jokingly asked if the quarterback’s point had anything to do with an alleged list of Epstein’s associates.
“There are a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, who are really hoping that list doesn’t come to fruition,” Rodgers responded.
McAfee noted that the late night talk show host and the New York Jets quarterback have an ongoing feud. He said Kimmel, 56, previously ridiculed Rodgers for his interest in the theory and joked that the athlete was “waiting in his wine cellar” for the news.
“I’ll tell you what, if that list comes out, I’ll definitely crack open a bottle,” Rodgers replied.
McAfee apologized Wednesday for his show’s role in the controversy. “Some things obviously make people very angry, especially if they are serious allegations,” he said. “So we apologize for being part of it. I can’t wait to hear what Aaron has to say about it. Hopefully those two can just work this out, not at work, but they can chat and move on.
McAfee added that Rodgers needs to clarify his comments, saying, “He’s going to have to clarify that for us.”
After Rodgers’ performance on The Pat McAfee ShowKimmel denied having ties to Epstein. He also publicly threatened to sue Rodgers over his comments.
“Dear A-hole: For the record, I have not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the obviously fake nonsense that soft-brained brainiacs like you seem indistinguishable from reality,” Kimmel wrote via X on Tuesday. “Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep up the good work and we will discuss the facts further in court. @AaronRodgers12.”
Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking of minors in Florida and New York. He died in his prison cell in August 2019. The medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging.