June 10, 2004
Jimmy Kimmel in hot water for Detroit remarks
Jimmy Kimmel's late night ABC show is not shown here in Atlanta. I get to watch it once in a while on WABC New York via satellite (I love my DirecTV system!). Atlanta residents couldn't have watched the show last night even if local affiliate WSB-TV weren't such sticks in the mud.
Kimmel got himself in hot water during halftime of the Pistons-Lakers NBA Finals game Tuesday night.
During an interview with ABC studio host (and Ann Arbor resident) Mike Tirico, Kimmel made an off the cuff remark about Detroit and riots.
Kimmel, when asked by ABC Sports commentator Mike Tirico who he was rooting for, replied, "Besides the fact I'm a Lakers fan, I realize they're going to burn the city of Detroit down if the Pistons win."Tirico came to the city's defense, but Kimmel plowed on with the grace of a bull in a china shop, later jokingly offering an apology.
"What I said about Pistons fans during halftime was a joke, nothing more. If I offended anyone, I'm sorry," he said. "Clearly, over the past 10 years, we in L.A. have taken a commanding lead in post-game riots. If the Lakers win, I plan to overturn my own car."Detroit residents haven't been placated by Kimmel's remarks, and ABC "punished" the comedian by yanking Wednesday's pre-taped edition of the late night show.
The show is back on tonight, albeit later than it's usual 12:05AM slot, following tonight's NBA Finals game.
Will there be more contrition from Kimmel? Tune in and find out...
Posted by mhking at June 10, 2004 09:28 PMGiven L.A.'s experience in this area, can they talk? Not a big deal to me.
Posted by: molotov at June 10, 2004 09:39 PMSince Kimmel still isn't being carried on the local Atlanta ABC affiliate, I figured I'd drop an update -- he was wearing a Pistons jersey and Tigers hat during the night. He also had Detroit native Chris Webber as a guest, although he tried to skirt the whole Detroit issue.
Posted by: JQ at June 11, 2004 01:42 AMI have an LAPD friend who says that he hates when the Lakers win a championship. Long hours and too much fool-chasing. :-)
Posted by: Juliette at June 11, 2004 11:53 PM