Megyn Kelly Slams Jimmy Kimmel’s ‘Disgusting’ Joke About Melania Trump’s Documentary at 2026 Oscars — ‘He’s Incapable of Complimenting the First Lady’
Megyn Kelly Condemns Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscars Joke Targeting Melania Trump’s Documentary
At the 2026 Oscars ceremony, Jimmy Kimmel, known for his sharp comedic style, made a controversial joke about Melania Trump’s self-titled documentary. The documentary offered an intimate glimpse into the 20-day period leading up to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. However, Kimmel’s quip did not sit well with many, especially conservative commentator Megyn Kelly, who publicly slammed the late-night host for what she called a “disgusting” and unnecessary attack on the First Lady.
During his brief stint presenting the Best Documentary Short award, Kimmel took a jab at Melania Trump’s film by contrasting it with more serious documentaries. He remarked, “Fortunately for all of us, there’s an international community of filmmakers dedicated to telling the truth, oftentimes at great risk to make films that teach us, that call out injustice, that inspire us to take action. And there are also documentaries where you walk around the White House trying on shoes.” The comment was a clear dig at Melania’s documentary, implying it lacked substance and seriousness.
Megyn Kelly was quick to respond on her SiriusXM show the morning after the Oscars. She expressed outrage at Kimmel’s decision to use the platform to mock the First Lady instead of simply presenting the award. “He had to get up there and couldn’t just do the introduction for best documentary. He had to get some snipes in at the first lady and at Trump,” Kelly said. She described the entire telecast as “disgusting” due to the politically charged jabs that overshadowed the event.
Kelly Defends Melania Trump and Highlights the Documentary’s Success
Megyn Kelly didn’t just criticize Jimmy Kimmel’s joke; she also defended Melania Trump and the documentary itself. Contrary to Kimmel’s dismissive tone, Kelly pointed out that the documentary has been a commercial success, pulling in tens of millions of dollars—far exceeding the earnings of many documentaries in its category. “Her documentary has done very, very well,” Kelly emphasized, underscoring that it resonated with a wide audience and was not just a trivial film.
Kelly’s defense extended beyond the documentary’s financial success. She suggested that Kimmel’s inability to refrain from mocking the First Lady reflects a broader pattern. “He’s incapable of even complimenting the first lady or just staying away from her. He cannot help himself and got a big laugh from the audience,” she said, clearly frustrated by what she viewed as a lack of respect.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Political Jabs Continue Beyond Melania Trump
The 2026 Oscars were marked by several politically charged moments, and Jimmy Kimmel was not the only host to stir controversy. Kimmel also took a swipe at his friend Stephen Colbert’s CBS late-night show, which had recently been canceled. “As you know, there are some countries whose leaders don’t support free speech. I’m not at liberty to say which. Let’s just leave it at North Korea and CBS,” Kimmel joked, eliciting laughter from the audience and his guest, Jason Bateman.
Meanwhile, the Oscars host Conan O’Brien also drew criticism from Megyn Kelly for mocking Turning Point USA, a conservative organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk. O’Brien joked about TPUSA hosting an alternative Super Bowl halftime show after the official event booked Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. Kelly called out O’Brien for his dismissive attitude, highlighting that TPUSA’s show was a record-setting success and accusing the host of being trapped in a “white privilege, woke Hollywood bubble.”
Political Tensions Overshadow the 2026 Oscars Ceremony
The 2026 Oscars ceremony was notable not only for its celebration of cinematic achievements but also for the political tensions that permeated the event. Megyn Kelly’s outspoken criticism of Jimmy Kimmel’s joke about Melania Trump’s documentary is just one example of how the awards show became a battleground for cultural and political debates.
Despite the controversies, Kelly did acknowledge some lighter moments during the telecast. She praised actress Nicole Kidman for her candid response during a red carpet interview, where Kidman revealed she had spent her Sunday morning attending church. Kelly found humor in the interviewer’s surprised reaction, noting that such straightforward answers from Hollywood stars are rare. “They’re not used to hearing answers like that from big Hollywood stars. So, good for Nicole Kidman,” Kelly remarked with a laugh.
The Impact of Celebrity Political Commentary on Award Shows
The 2026 Oscars highlighted a growing trend where award ceremonies are no longer just about entertainment but also platforms for political commentary. Comedians and hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien often use their stage time to voice opinions and critiques, sometimes sparking backlash from viewers and commentators alike.
Megyn Kelly’s response to Kimmel’s joke underscores the divisive nature of such commentary. While some audiences appreciate the humor and political edge, others see it as disrespectful and inappropriate for a prestigious event. This tension reflects broader societal debates about the role of politics in entertainment and the boundaries of comedic expression.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s sharp rebuke of Jimmy Kimmel’s joke about Melania Trump’s documentary at the 2026 Oscars has reignited discussions about respect, politics, and comedy in high-profile events. Kelly’s defense of the First Lady and critique of Kimmel’s inability to offer a compliment highlight the polarized reactions to political humor on major stages. As award shows continue to blend entertainment with political commentary, viewers can expect more heated exchanges like this one.
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