Jimmy Kimmel faces backlash for joking about Robert Blake 89 days after he passed away
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Jimmy Kimmel is in hot waters following his hosting gig at the Oscars for joking about Robert Blake, who passed away recently.
Here is everything you need to know.
Jimmy Kimmel was slammed for making an insensitive joke about Robert Blake
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Oscars 2023 and he did not shy away from addressing controversial topics including the death of Robert Blake.
The 55-year-old host made a joke about the late actor ahead of the In Memoriam segment at the 95th Academy Awards.
He said, ‘Everybody please get out your phones, even at home, it’s time to vote. If you think Robert Blake should be part of the In Memoriam montage, text ‘GIMME-A-Blake’ to the number on your screen, or to any number.’
Moreover, he continued, ‘Text that to your mother if you like. Message and data rates may apply.’
Internet users react to Jimmy Kimmel joking about Robert Blake
Many users were not impressed with Jimmy Kimmel after the joke he delivered about Robert Blake on national television went viral.
While some called Kimmel ‘insensitive’ for his remarks, others bashed the Oscars for snubbing Blake from the ceremony.
A user wrote, ‘Jimmy Kimmel ‘s comment on whether to include Robert Blake in the memoriam was in poor taste and uncalled for.’
#Oscars
— Billie (What!!!)Dawn (@margoz_1949) March 13, 2023
Jimmy Kimmel 's comment on whether to include Robert Blake in the memoriam was in poor taste and uncalled for 😵😵
Someone else chimed in to say, ‘Is it me, or was Jimmy Kimmel’s comment tonight about Robert Blake in poor taste?’
Is it me, or was Jimmy Kimmel's comment tonight about Robert Blake in poor taste?
— Jim Duckett (@JimDuckett1) March 13, 2023
A different user noted, ‘Real tacky Jimmy Kimmel. Real tacky.’
Real tacky Jimmy Kimmel. Real tacky. #Oscars #RobertBlake
— Always dreamin’ … (@MsAJF) March 13, 2023
Another user commented, ‘@jimmykimmel you did a great job but the joke about Robert Blake was insensitive.’
@jimmykimmel you did a great job but the joke about Robert Blake was insensitive
— Gina Ramsey (@mamasita6752) March 13, 2023
More about Robert Blake
Robert Blake’s niece Noreen Austin confirmed on 9th March that the actor has passed away due to heart disease.
Besides that, Austin mentioned that Blake was surrounded by his close friends and family in Los Angeles at the time of passing.
Furthermore, Blake started his acting career as a child actor in the Oscar-nominated film, In Cold Blood back in 1967.
Consequently, he seemingly enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood before he was arrested in 2001. Blake was detained following the death of his second wife, Bonny Lee Bakley.
#Oscars #Oscars2023 #jimmykimmel
— JokesNoBulletsJohnnyT (@bullets_no) March 13, 2023
Could #Kimmel get anymore classless?
Leaving #RobertBlake out of the IN MEMORIAN segment – after joking about not including him?!
How low can u go?
BLAKE WAS LEGENDARY 💥💪🏻💥
and – INNOCENT!
RIP BOBBY 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/jwKGj2Yp1k
For the unversed, Backley was killed on 4th May 2001. She was shot near an Italian restaurant in Studio City, California, where she had just dined with Blake.
Besides that, Blake was pronounced not guilty after the case began in court. In addition, no evidence was found against him.
