What To Know
- Jelly Roll addressed backlash after making jokes about Donald Trump during his guest-host appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- He defended his monologue by emphasizing that late-night hosts are expected to joke about current events and presidents.
Jelly Roll isn’t sure what all the fuss is about when it comes to him poking fun at Donald Trump during his Jimmy Kimmel Live! guest host stint.
The country singer made headlines earlier this week after he took shots at the president during Monday’s (August 24) opening monologue. His jokes especially surprised viewers who presumed he was a Trump fan and MAGA supporter.
“You know what, I did a couple jokes like that last night in case y’all didn’t hear about it and… it’s because I’m hosting a d**n late-night show,” Jelly Roll said at the top of Tuesday’s (August 25) show. “That’s where you talk about the news, and you make jokes. But I guess apparently, because I did it, it really messed with people’s heads.”
The “Save Me” singer reacted to a headline that said he “stunned” Kimmel viewers with his Trump jabs. “I have to say, as a former felon, a drug dealer who has lost 300 pounds, has tattoos all over his face, and won three Grammys, this is the weirdest thing I’ve ever done to ‘stun’ people,” he quipped.
“What a turn of events. Who would have guessed I’d get in more trouble with the president than Rosie O’Donnell?” he continued, referencing last week’s guest host and long-time Trump nemesis. “I love you, Rosie. Thanks for having my back today, baby.”
Jelly Roll added, “Some folks online were upset that I didn’t treat the president with reverence and dignity. But I want to remind y’all that I go by the name Jelly Roll. I don’t even treat myself with reverence and dignity. One day, I looked in the mirror and said, ‘You, my friend, are a pastry.’”
He noted that a lot of people seemed surprised that he had “any opinions at all,” joking, “They see a guy that looks like me and assume the only opinion I have is whether I prefer my meth crystal or classic.”
“Now let’s be honest for a second, any U.S. president should be able to handle a few jokes, right?” he asked. “He should also be able to handle gas prices, health care, and the occasional international conflict… but beggars can’t be choosers!”
The “Son of a Sinner” hitmaker went on to say that some people are mad at him for “goofing” on Trump. “But, if you wanted me to make jokes about Kamala Harris, you should’ve voted for her!” he stated.
“So for those who threatened to stop listening to my music based on my comments last night, I just want to say with conviction… go right ahead,” he concluded. “Because I’m gonna keep speaking my truth… or my name isn’t Post Malone.”
You can watch Jelly Roll’s full opening monologue in the video above and let us know your thoughts below.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Weeknights, 11:35/10:35c, ABC