What were Jimmy Kimmel's comments on Roseanne Barr's racist tweet?

Checked on September 27, 2025
Disclaimer: Factually can make mistakes. Please verify important information or breaking news. Learn more.

This fact-check may be outdated. Consider refreshing it to get the most current information.

Was this fact-check helpful?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Jimmy Kimmel did not praise ABC for taking Roseanne Barr off the air, contrary to claims that have circulated on social media [1]. Multiple fact-checking sources confirm that the widely shared claim about Kimmel praising ABC's decision is false [2].

The actual record shows that Kimmel's response was more nuanced and compassionate than the viral claims suggested. According to the analyses, Kimmel joked about Roseanne's firing but simultaneously called her comments "indefensible" while also asking for compassion for her [1] [2]. This represents a balanced approach that acknowledged the problematic nature of Barr's tweet while maintaining empathy for her as a person.

The confusion appears to stem from fabricated quotes that have been attributed to Kimmel. One analysis specifically notes that a quote claiming Kimmel said he's "not a fan of censorship" is false, and that the actual context of his comments was quite different from what has been portrayed in viral social media posts [1].

Roseanne Barr herself has weighed into this narrative, particularly in the context of Jimmy Kimmel's own controversies and temporary suspension from ABC. She has characterized ABC's treatment of the two situations as representing a "double standard" - pointing out that while she faced permanent cancellation in 2018, Kimmel was only briefly suspended before being reinstated [3] [4]. Barr has expressed feeling "erased from history" and treated unfairly compared to others like Kimmel [5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question focuses solely on Kimmel's comments about Barr's racist tweet, but the analyses reveal significant missing context about the broader dynamics between these two figures and ABC's handling of controversies.

Barr's perspective on perceived double standards is notably absent from the original framing. She has been vocal about what she sees as inconsistent treatment by ABC, comparing her permanent removal to Kimmel's temporary suspension and subsequent return [3] [4]. This represents an important alternative viewpoint that suggests the issue extends beyond just Kimmel's initial response to her tweet.

The analyses also reveal that misinformation has actively shaped public perception of Kimmel's actual stance. Rather than simply asking what Kimmel said, the context shows that false quotes have been widely circulated, creating a distorted narrative about his response [1] [2]. This suggests that the real story involves not just what was said, but how fabricated statements have influenced public understanding.

Additionally, the timeline and evolution of this controversy appears more complex than the original question suggests. The issue has resurfaced in connection with Kimmel's own later controversies and suspension, indicating that this is not just a historical question about past comments, but part of an ongoing narrative about media accountability and consistency [5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

While the original question appears neutral on its surface, it may inadvertently perpetuate misinformation by implying that Kimmel made significant public comments praising ABC's decision. The analyses clearly establish that no such praise occurred [1] [2].

The framing of the question could reinforce false narratives that have circulated widely on social media. By asking specifically about Kimmel's "comments" on the matter, it suggests that substantial commentary exists, when in fact the analyses show that fabricated quotes have been more prominent than actual statements [1].

There's also potential confirmation bias in how this question might be approached. People seeking to confirm preexisting beliefs about Kimmel's stance might find the false quotes that have circulated, rather than the fact-checked reality that his response was more measured and compassionate than viral claims suggest.

The question's focus on a single moment in time also obscures the broader pattern of misinformation that has characterized this controversy. Rather than seeking historical facts, the question inadvertently engages with a narrative that has been actively distorted by false attributions and fabricated quotes [2] [6].

Want to dive deeper?
What was the content of Roseanne Barr's racist tweet?
How did ABC respond to Roseanne Barr's racist tweet?
Did Jimmy Kimmel and Roseanne Barr have a prior feud before the tweet?
What were the consequences for Roseanne Barr after her racist tweet?
How did other celebrities react to Roseanne Barr's racist tweet?