CNN
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Pat McAfee has apologized for comments New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made on “The Pat McAfee Present” about TV host Jimmy Kimmel and the late accused intercourse trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Rodgers’ feedback had been made throughout a dialog referencing the discharge of an impending document that may purportedly reveal the identities of dozens of individuals linked to Epstein, who died by suicide for years in the past in jail whereas awaiting federal sex-trafficking costs.
On his program Wednesday, McAfee addressed Rodgers’ feedback the day prior, saying that whereas making jokes is a part of their present, “every time there’s accusations made about individuals, that may result in lawsuits.”
“There’s lots of people, together with Jimmy Kimmel, actually hoping that doesn’t come out,” Rodgers said throughout Tuesday’s present. Rodgers additionally stated that he’ll be “popping some type of bottle” if the checklist is launched.
McAfee urged that Rodgers’ remarks had been meant to be a “s— discuss joke” that then became a “very severe allegation,” however that he understood why Kimmel bought upset.
“We apologize for being part of it,” McAfee stated. “I can’t wait to listen to what Aaron has to say about it. Hopefully these two will simply be capable to settle this – not court-wise – however be capable to chit chat and transfer alongside.”
CNN has reached out to a consultant for Rodgers. ESPN and ABC declined to remark.
The “Pat McAfee Present” is produced by McAfee, a former NFL participant. The present streams Monday by Friday on YouTube and is distributed by ESPN. Rodgers is an everyday paid contributor on McAfee’s present. ABC produces and distributes “Jimmy Kimmel Dwell!” and is the father or mother firm of ESPN.
A consultant for Kimmel didn’t reply to CNN’s request for remark, however Kimmel issued a press release to X (previously Twitter) on Tuesday, admonishing Rodgers for his claims after a clip went viral on social media.
“For the document, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact in any way with Epstein, nor will you discover my identify on any ‘checklist’ aside from the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like your self can’t appear to tell apart from actuality,” Kimmel wrote on the social media platform. “Your reckless phrases put my household in peril. Stick with it and we are going to debate the information additional in courtroom.”
Kimmel and Rodgers have publicly poked enjoyable at each other up to now. In March, Kimmel made a joke on “Dwell!” about feedback Rodgers made on McAfee’s present on the time associated to the Epstein doc.
CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister contributed to this report.