The ball is now in Jimmy Kimmel's court in the ongoing feud between him and Fox News host Sean Hannity. The dispute started when Kimmel made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump's accent. Hannity called it a "disgusting" attack on Mrs. Trump and it earned Kimmel the nickname "a** clown." Kimmel appeared to be taken aback but instead of taking the high road, returned Hannity's invective by calling him "the whole a** circus."
Kimmel published an apology on his Twitter page, albeit one that was full of sarcastic digs at the Fox host.
re. @seanhannity pic.twitter.com/DMtWJTMsDU
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 8, 2018
Hannity reluctantly accepted Kimmel's "forced, Disney corporate apology," before inviting him on his show.
"I believe everyone should accept apologies," Hannity said. "That's how I was raised. That's what my religion teaches me. I'm going to assume he's sincere."There was a "but." This fight, Hannity surmised, was never about the two TV hosts. It was another example of the "unprecedented" level of vitriol against President Trump and his family.
As for critics who claim Hannity is guilty of the same level of hatred during the past administration, Hannity explained that his critiques against the Obamas had to do with substance, not petty personal attacks. He reminded viewers that he commended the Obamas for their parenting skills on many occasions. Leave the women and the children alone, he told Kimmel.
Kimmel, Hannity admitted, seems "sincere" when he discusses politics, so he wants to extend an invitation.
"You want to come on this show, I promise no name calling, no anger, no rehashing of the Twitter fight," Hannity said. "You want to have a real discussion, we can talk about it."
The good will between these two only goes so far. Should Kimmel restart the feud, Hannity informed him that his producers have plenty of unflattering footage of the ABC host that is right now safe in storage.