Jimmy Kimmel apologizes for offensive impressions of Black celebrities
By Marina Pitofsky - 06/23/20 02:55 PM EDT
ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel released an apology Tuesday after facing criticism for wearing blackface in an old recurring sketch on Comedy Central’s “The Man Show," according to multiple reports.
Kimmel, who co-hosted “The Man Show," which ran from 1999 to 2004, performed in a skit that including him dressing in blackface to portray NBA star Karl Malone, an impression he also used to on KROQ radio in the 1990s.
“I have long been reluctant to address this, as I knew doing so would be celebrated as a victory by those who equate apologies with weakness and cheer for leaders who use prejudice to divide us. That delay was a mistake,†the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" host said Tuesday. “There is nothing more important to me than your respect, and I apologize to those who were genuinely hurt or offended by the makeup I wore or the words I spoke.â€
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https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/504124-jimmy-kimmel-apologizes-for-offensive-impressions-of-black