Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel responded to the backlash he received for a bit he performed at the 74th Emmy Awards.
During an episode of his show on Wednesday night, Kimmel spoke with “Abbott Elementary” creator and writer Quinta Brunson who was presented with the award for Best Writing in a Comedy Series.
He apologized for a bit during the event where he was dragged on stage and stayed on the ground next to the mic for the entire duration of Brunson’s acceptance speech.
“That was a dumb comedy bit that we thought would be funny. I lost and then I drank too much and then got dragged out on the stage,” Kimmel said.
He continued, “People got upset and said I stole your moment. Maybe I did and I’m very sorry if I did do that.”
Kimmel explained, “I’m sorry I did do that actually and also the last thing I would ever want to do is upset you because I think so much of you. I think you know that. I hope you know that.”
Brunson replied, “Well, Jimmy, let me just say thank you. It is very kind of you to say that.”
She added, “I honestly was in such a moment of having a good time, like, I won my first Emmy! I was up there real happy and I was wrapped up in the moment and was having a good time.”
Watch their conversation below:
Jimmy Kimmel apologizes for his upstaging Emmys bit: "People got upset, they said I stole your moment, and maybe I did, and I'm very sorry if I did do that. I'm sorry I *did* do that, actually."
— The Recount (@therecount) September 15, 2022
Quinta Brunson: "Thank you, that is very kind of you to say that." pic.twitter.com/0GT7t0dFRK
Brunson was previously asked about the moment by Los Angeles Times reporter Ashley Lee.
“It didn’t bother me that much. I consider him one of the comedy godfathers. I don’t know — tomorrow, maybe I’ll be mad at him. I’m gonna be on his show on Wed, I might punch him in the face. We’ll see,” Brunson said.
Kimmel also praised Brunson after the awards.
“She is so unbelievably talented and I saw her pilot before it came out on ABC and I wrote to her. I was like, ‘I don’t know how we got this but congratulations. You made a pilot that any network would be ecstatic to get,’” Kimmel said.
