Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hold back on his thoughts about Kanye West’s controversial appearance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. During his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he took a jab at the rapper, suggesting that Will Smith could have redeemed himself by delivering a slap to West instead of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
“Another rodent came out of his hole [at the Grammys last night] — none other than Kanye West,” Kimmel quipped, referencing West’s surprise appearance at the award show. “And you know what’s a shame? Will Smith, all he had to do was run out on that red carpet and slap Kanye. I think all would be forgiven.”
The comedian’s remarks come after West, who has been at the center of multiple controversies in recent years, took the stage at the Grammys to accept the Best Rap Song award for Scientists & Engineers. The win marked his 25th Grammy, despite being widely criticized for his history of offensive remarks and erratic behavior.
Kimmel’s joke was a clear reference to the infamous Oscars moment when Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage over a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. While Smith faced significant backlash and a 10-year ban from the Oscars, Kimmel implied that a similar act against West might have been met with applause instead of condemnation.
West’s Grammys appearance sparked mixed reactions, with some celebrating his musical achievements while others questioned the Recording Academy’s decision to welcome him back despite past controversies. Kimmel’s scathing comments add to the ongoing debate about West’s place in the industry and whether his behavior should still be tolerated.
As always, Kimmel’s humor cuts deep, and his latest remarks are sure to stir reactions from both West’s supporters and critics alike. Whether or not Will Smith would have been forgiven for a hypothetical slap, Kimmel’s take on the situation makes one thing clear—Kanye West remains a polarizing figure in entertainment.
