"Jimmy Kimmel is a national disgrace."
Fans branded Jimmy Kimmel a “national disgrace” for apparently harassing Malala Yousafzai at the Oscars ceremony.
Malala attended the ceremony with her husband Asser Malik in support of her nominated documentary Stranger At The Gate.
For the event, the activist wore a silver sequinned gown by Ralph Lauren with long sleeves.
She accessorised with a silver diamond ring and a gold ring that featured a large emerald.
Meanwhile, her husband opted for a classic black suit and bow tie.
Prior to attending the ceremony, Malala was rooting for Austin Butler and Michelle Yeoh. She was also looking forward to seeing Rihanna perform.
However, things took a turn when she appeared to be uncomfortable during a bizarre segment.
During a break in proceedings, Jimmy Kimmel asked Malala about the ‘spit-gate’ drama between Harry Styles and Chris Pine.
Reading out a question from a fan named Joanne, Jimmy asked:
“She asked, your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspiration–as the youngest Nobel prize winner in history, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?”
While the audience laughed, an unsure Malala responded:
“I only talk about peace.”
The Oscars host then said: “You know what, that’s why you’re Malala and nobody else is.
“That’s a great answer, Malala. The winner is malala-land, everybody.”
Things became even more bizarre when an attendee dressed as a real-life Cocaine Bear from the film crawled down the aisle and began to pester Malala.
Jimmy Kimmel – who had been speaking to some of the stars – called out:
“Cocaine bear, leave Malala alone!”
Cocaine Bear accosting Noble Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai at the #Oscars is sending me. pic.twitter.com/pUd2IcKccq
— Junkee | Culture, Music & Social Justice (@junkee) March 13, 2023
Viewers took to social media to slam the host’s “disrespectful” behaviour.
One wrote: “I love Jimmy Kimmel but his interaction with Malala was one of the worst and most painful things I’ve seen on TV in so many years.”
Another said: “Watching the Oscars from home, I was absolutely horrified with the interaction between Jimmy Kimmel and Malala.
“Jimmy, you were incredibly disrespectful.”
A third commented: “Jimmy Kimmel is a national disgrace. This woman deserves better.”
A comment read: “Why did Jimmy Kimmel and the cocaine bear just harass Malala. Oh my god leave her alone.”
One user said: “I hope Jimmy Kimmel pays for making Malala answer that question. She deserves better than that!”
A user wrote:
“Malala looked so uncomfortable when Jimmy Kimmel was harassing her with his comedy.”
Another penned: “Malala has a Nobel peace prize and they have her dealing with cocaine bear and Jimmy Kimmel.”
Malala later responded to the incident, tweeting:
“Treat people with kindness.”
Treat people with kindness?? https://t.co/ZvUVHcrTBJ
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) March 13, 2023
Many social media users praised her for her classy response to the awkward incident.
Loading ...