ESPN host Pat McAfee apologized after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers alleged “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was linked to late convicted sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein on his show.
In a viral clip posted by McAfee, 36, on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday, he addressed the controversy on “The Pat McAfee Show” and said the staff had been “free wheeling” in their discussions following coverage of the Rose Bowl.
“There could be some things that were certainly, probably — I mean we’re gonna have to hear from Aaron on that — meant to be sh*t talk joke that can then become something that is obviously a very serious allegation that then leads to a massive overnight story,” McAfee said at the top of the show.
He continued:
“I can see why Jimmy Kimmel felt the way he felt, especially with his position. But I think Aaron was just trying to talk sh*t. Did it go too far? Jimmy Kimmel certainly said that was the case.”
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive.
Additionally, the sports commentator suggested Kimmel, 56, and Rodgers, 40, who appears on Mcafee’s show every Tuesday as a recurring guest, according to Deadline, have been at odds.
“We obviously don’t like the fact that we’re associated with anything negative ever. We’d like our show to be an uplifting one, a happy one, a fun one. But it’s because we talk sh*t and try to make light of everything,” he clarified.
Furthermore, McAfee acknowledged, “Some things, obviously, people get very pissed off about, especially when they’re serious allegations.”
“So we apologize for being a part of it. Can’t wait to hear what Aaron has to say about it. Hopefully, those two will just be able to settle this, not work-wise, but be able to chit chat, move along,” he added.
On Tuesday, Rodgers appeared on McAfee’s show to discuss the anticipated release of a list of prominent people rumored to have associated with Epstein.
“There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, are hoping that doesn’t come out,” he said in a viral clip posted on X.
Following the clip’s release, Kimmel responded to Rodgers’ statement via X.
“Dear Aasshole: for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality,” he wrote.
Kimmel added, “Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court [Aaron Rodgers].
According to ABC News, U.S. District Judge Loretta released newly unsealed court documents with over 200 names of high-profile people who were involved in Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. Names allegedly include former President Bill Clinton and Britain’s Prince Andrew.
In 2019, Epstein committed suicide by hanging while awaiting trial inside a jail cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. He was 66.
