Conservative talk show host Megyn Kelly took a swipe at Rosie O'Donnell on Monday, following Jimmy Kimmel's announcement that O'Donnell would be one of several guest hosts filling in during his summer vacation. Kelly referenced O'Donnell's 2024 revelation about having a cold sore, saying on her show: 'So, MAGA gave her herpes, and now she's guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel. Note to the guests: don't get too close, do not do the hello kiss when you arrive on stage.'
Kimmel's Summer Guest Host Lineup
Kimmel signed off for the summer on Thursday, revealing a roster of guest hosts including Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, summer regular Anthony Anderson, and Jelly Roll, with O'Donnell scheduled for Aug. 17. 'As a special treat for our commander in chief, I asked one of his all-time favorites, Rosie O'Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming,' Kimmel said. 'You're welcome. And all I ask in return, Mr. President, is that you don't do anything stupid while I'm gone.'
Kelly's Criticism of the Lineup
Kelly mocked what she called 'a litany of left-wing comedians,' suggesting Kimmel was worried about job security. 'Jimmy Kimmel is going on a two-month sabbatical, and guess who he has sub-hosting for him? It's a litany of left-wing comedians, most of whom you don't know very well, because he's worried about his job security. So he's got to find people who are lesser than he is,' Kelly said.
O'Donnell's Election Comments Targeted
Kelly also played a clip of O'Donnell interviewing Jim Acosta, where she said, 'I think Kamala won. I do. And I think that we're going to find all this out.' Kelly quipped, 'I was told by some reliable sources that election denialism is wrong and basically makes you an insurrectionist or a supporter.' She questioned whether O'Donnell would be 'offering bits like this. Speculative questioning' to Kimmel's 'ever dwindling' audience.
O'Donnell's History with Trump and Kelly
O'Donnell, a vocal critic of Donald Trump and his MAGA base, has feuded with the president for years. Earlier this month outside the Tony Awards, she called him 'an asshole and a liar.' She also blasted Kelly online in 2018, calling her a 'spineless wanna be barbie' after Kelly targeted Jane Fonda over anti-Vietnam War activism.
