Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel joked about former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani 'rising from the grave' just days before Giuliani was hospitalized in critical condition. The remarks, made during Kimmel's monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, referenced Giuliani's criticism of Kimmel over a previous joke about First Lady Melania Trump. Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized on Sunday in critical but stable condition, according to a statement posted on social media.
Kimmel's joke came amid an ongoing feud between the comedian and Giuliani, who had called Kimmel 'one of the most distasteful human beings in this country' on his podcast. Kimmel responded by mocking Giuliani's past public missteps, including a widely publicized incident involving Borat's daughter. The comedian also questioned whether Giuliani had family members to assist him.
The hospitalization resurfaced Kimmel's remarks, sparking discussions about the timing of the joke. Kimmel had previously faced backlash for joking about Melania Trump being an 'expectant widow,' a reference to the age gap between her and President Donald Trump. Both the White House and Giuliani had criticized Kimmel's comments, but the comedian maintained the joke was about their age difference, not an assassination reference.
Giuliani's hospitalization has raised questions about his health, as he has faced multiple legal and personal challenges in recent years. The former mayor has been a prominent figure in Republican politics, particularly during the Trump administration. His current condition remains under medical supervision.