Jimmy Kimmel’s quips on Robert Downey Jr.’s past struggles with addiction during the 96th Oscars ignited fury online, branded as “unfunny” and “insensitive” by viewers.
Joke Gone Too Far?
During the Oscars’ kickoff on March 10, host Jimmy Kimmel, known for his comedic banter, didn’t hold back as he poked fun at Robert Downey Jr.’s journey to sobriety, drawing mixed reactions from the audience.
Making fun of the drug issues of Robert Downey Jr. is actually pretty lame. I'm not surprised though, because Jimmy Kimmel has always sucked.#Oscars pic.twitter.com/LwsEhKwFr6
— Craig R. Brittain (@RealBrittain) March 10, 2024
Kimmel, in his signature style, engaged the crowd, initially jesting about the absence of Greta Gerwig in the Best Director category before turning to the Oppenheimer nominee, Downey Jr.
The camera captured Downey Jr.’s reaction as Kimmel made light of his past struggles with substance abuse, humorously remarking, “This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr.’s long and illustrious career — well, one of the highest points.”
Downey Jr., in a lighthearted response, playfully tapped his nose, prompting laughter from co-star Emily Blunt, while Kimmel continued with his jests, asking, “Is that too on-the-nose, or is that a drug motion you’re making?”
Netizens Didn’t Like It
However, despite the jovial atmosphere, the online community was quick to condemn Kimmel’s jokes, labelling them “tasteless” and “inappropriate.”
Disgruntled viewers took to social media to express their disappointment, with one user stating, “Jimmy Kimmel lost my interest when he started making drug jokes about Robert Downey Jr.”
Another user criticized Kimmel’s choice of humour, saying, “Imagine fighting so hard to come out of drug addiction, only for a guy like Jimmy Kimmel to make a tasteless ‘joke’ like this. Not funny in the least.”
The backlash continued, with one individual suggesting that Kimmel’s remarks were beyond acceptable boundaries, asserting, “IMO, if anyone deserved to get a Will Smith slap it was Jimmy Kimmel for his joke about RDJ’s past drug addiction.”
While Jimmy Kimmel’s intent may have been to entertain, his jokes on Robert Downey Jr.’s past addiction sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting the importance of sensitivity in comedic delivery, especially regarding sensitive subjects like addiction and recovery.
