Pat McAfee Issues Public Apology, Urges Jimmy Kimmel to Not Pursue Lawsuit After Aaron Rodger’s Epstein’s List Comments
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the New York Jets, made shocking claims on Tuesday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was connected to disgraced financier and convicted s*x offender Jeffrey Epstein. Rodgers stated that Kimmel’s name would be included on a list of over 150 associates of Epstein that is set to be unsealed soon.
Did Aaron Rodgers Defame Jimmy Kimmel with Epstein Accusations?
As per USA Today, Jimmy Kimmel denied these accusations on Twitter, saying, “I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein.” He went on to call Rodgers’ words “reckless” and claimed they put his family in danger.
This war of words has brought up questions of defamation and legal liability. Did Aaron Rodgers cross a line by connecting Kimmel to Epstein without evidence? Or was he simply engaging in speculation about an upcoming news story?
During a discussion on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers stated his belief that a list of over 150 of Epstein’s associates would be released soon. He then directly named Jimmy Kimmel as one of the people he expects to be on the list, saying “There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, that are really hoping that doesn’t come out.”
Also Read: What to Expect From Epstein’s List: Aaron Rodgers’ Controversial Comment on Jimmy Kimmel
Could Jimmy Kimmel Sue Aaron Rodgers for Defamation?
Rodgers provided no evidence to back up his claim. He merely stated it as fact based on his knowledge of an upcoming document release related to Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring an underage girl for s*x.
The late-night host went on to call Rodgers’ claim “nonsense” and say that his “reckless words” put Kimmel’s family in danger. He ended the tweet by threatening to “debate the facts further in court.”
Kimmel’s mention of debating Rodgers in court suggests he is considering a defamation lawsuit. As a public figure, Kimmel would have to prove that Rodgers acted with “actual malice” in making a false, damaging claim.
Legal experts say Kimmel could have a case, but a lawsuit is unlikely unless Rodgers repeats the claims outside of his show. As a football player, Rodgers would argue he was simply giving his opinion on rumors surrounding the upcoming document dump.
Also Read: Spider-Man Star Tom Holland Did Jimmy Kimmel a Favor After He Was Ready to Lie to His 3 Year Old Son
What Was the Response from Pat McAfee and Aaron Rodgers?
On Wednesday’s Pat McAfee Show, host Pat McAfee issued an apology to Kimmel. He said Rodgers’ Epstein comments were meant as a joke but acknowledged they resulted in “a very serious allegation.”
McAfee expressed hope that Kimmel and Rodgers could settle the matter out of court. As of now, Rodgers himself has not directly responded to Kimmel’s denial or threat of legal action.
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The war of words between the quarterback and the comedian continues to play out publicly. Whether it escalates further likely depends on the content of the Epstein documents if and when they are released.
