Jimmy Kimmel Criticized for Emotional Response to Minneapolis Protester's Death

The late-night host faced backlash for his tearful on-air reaction, contrasting with his previous dismissive response to the assassination of a conservative commentator.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night talk show host, has faced criticism for his emotional response to the death of a protester in Minneapolis, which stood in stark contrast to his previous dismissive reaction to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel appeared to choke up twice during a monologue that was largely a vicious attack on President Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The reaction sparked a social media backlash, with some accusing Kimmel of hypocrisy and selective empathy.

Why it matters

Kimmel's emotional response to the Minneapolis protester's death, compared to his lack of empathy for the conservative commentator's assassination, has raised questions about the host's political biases and the perception that he is more concerned with advancing a left-leaning agenda than providing balanced commentary.

The details

During his monologue, Kimmel delivered a supposedly heartfelt message to the anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis, claiming they were simply looking out for their neighbors. He also praised the deceased Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, near the end of his oration. This emotional display stood in stark contrast to Kimmel's reaction to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, for which he was previously suspended from ABC for making light of the incident.

  • On January 27, 2026, Kimmel delivered the emotional monologue about the Minneapolis protester's death.

The players

Jimmy Kimmel

A late-night talk show host who has faced criticism for his selective emotional responses and perceived political biases.

Charlie Kirk

A conservative commentator who was the victim of an assassination, which Kimmel previously made light of, earning him a suspension from ABC.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis protester and ICU nurse who died, whose death Kimmel emotionally discussed during his monologue.

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What they’re saying

“Jimmy Kimmel is proof that ANY comic who refuses to tell a joke will eventually become one: ”

— Jimmy Failla, Host of 'Fox Across America' radio show (Twitter)

“Kimmel can cry all he wants, for as long as the suits at ABC will let him. He can attract lemming-like hordes of leftists who think a night's entertainment means proving to themselves and their friends that their political virtue is unquestionable. But he long ago gave up the title of comedian. Now, he's just a clown.”

— Matt Walsh (Twitter)

The takeaway

Kimmel's emotional response to the Minneapolis protester's death, in contrast to his previous dismissive reaction to the assassination of a conservative commentator, has raised questions about his political biases and the perception that he is more concerned with advancing a left-leaning agenda than providing balanced commentary as a late-night talk show host.