Oscars 2018: Host Jimmy Kimmel clarifies #MeToo will be addressed during awards ceremony
'It’ll be a part of the show. I can’t give you a percentage, but it’ll be a part of it'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As with the majority of this year's awards season, this weekend's Oscars is a prime opportunity to continue the #MeToo conversation.
However, there was a moment of concern when news outlets began to report that Jimmy Kimmel, the host for this year's ceremony, would be avoiding the conversation topic.
It all stemmed from an ABC interview, broadcast on Thursday, in which Kimmel said: "This show is not about reliving people’s sexual assaults — it’s an awards show for people who have been dreaming about maybe winning an Oscar for their whole lives."
"And the last thing I want to do is ruin that for someone who is, you know, nominated for, you know, best leading actress or best supporting or best director or cinematographer or whatever, by making it unpleasant."
"I'm not going to ... stop any bad behavior with my jokes," he added.
A case of clear misinterpretation, as an interview with Kimmel printed the same day with Vanity Fair clarifies the point completely. Asked whether he has plans to include the #MeToo and Time's Up movements in the ceremony, he replied: "I do, yes."
He told Variety something similar a few days earlier. “It’ll be a part of the show,” he explained. “I can’t give you a percentage, but it’ll be a part of it.” He added, “There are certain things and people that deserve mockery, and there are parts of that story that most certainly don’t. You just have to sort through that and plan your approach that way.”
It was always expected, to a degree, that Kimmel wouldn't attempt to shy away from the topic as he returns after last year's hosting duties. His work as a host has become well-known for confronting emotional, topical issues, discussing matters of healthcare and gun control on his night-time show.
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments