Jimmy Kimmel is setting the record straight after NFL star Aaron Rodgers made insinuations regarding Kimmel's association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
As previously reported, more than 170 individuals connected to the late financier Epstein - who died by suicide while awaiting trial on federal conspiracy and sex trafficking charges - have been disclosed in previously sealed court documents.
This revelation follows a ruling by New York Judge Loretta Preska in the context of a defamation lawsuit filed by Giuffre, a victim of Epstein, against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate and convicted child trafficker, according to The Independent.
READ MORE: Who Has Been Named In The Unsealed Epstein Documents And Why?
Following Judge Preska's ruling, 40-year-old Rodgers appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on January 2 and stated: "There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, really hoping that doesn’t come out" - referring to the documents being made public.
Rodgers then quipped: "I'll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle." Watch Rodgers on Pat McAfee Show below:
The 56-year-old late-night host - who vehemently denied any connection to Epstein - had previously responded to Rodgers' comments by warning of potential legal action. "Dear A***hole: for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein," he wrote on X. But now, Kimmel has gone a step further.
Addressing the situation on his show, Kimmel emphasized his lack of involvement with Epstein. "I suggested that if Aaron wanted to make false and very damaging statements like that, we should do it in court so he could share his proof with, like, a judge," Kimmel stated firmly.
The late-night host expressed concern about the prevalence of conspiracy theories promoted by individuals like Rodgers. He revealed that he often receives messages from people who believe baseless claims connecting him to figures like Tom Hanks and Oprah in bizarre rituals.
"A lot of delusional people honestly believe I am meeting up with Tom Hanks and Oprah at Shakey’s once a week to eat pizza and drink the blood of children,” Kimmel said. “I know this because I hear from these people often. My wife hears from them. My kids hear from them. My poor mailman hears from these people. And now we’re hearing from lots more of them thanks to Aaron Rodgers."
In response to Rodgers' remarks, Kimmel took seven minutes during his opening monologue to address the NFL star, referring to him as having a "hamster brain."
He also had a message for individuals who subscribe to conspiracy theories, saying: "If you are a member of a group that thinks it’s OK to randomly call someone a child molester because you don’t like what that person has to say, maybe you should rethink being part of that group."
Before concluding his monologue, Kimmel couldn't resist one final jab at Rodgers, describing him as somebody "who has done the impossible: He made the New York Jets look even worse" - alluding to the NFL team's struggles.