Gutfeld blasts Kimmel, calls him 'hopeless,' dares him to live as a conservative

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, on Friday, April 17 unloaded on Jimmy Kimmel after the comedian defended his politically charged monologues during an appearance on Michelle Obama’s podcast.

Gutfeld mocked Kimmel’s complaints about criticism and challenged him to spend one year as a conservative commentator, arguing he would quickly learn what sustained backlash really looks like.

Gutfeld fires back at Kimmel's remarks

During Friday’s episode of 'The Five', Gutfeld responded to Kimmel’s recent insistence that nobody should dictate what his “job” is as a late-night host.

Kimmel had said his role is whatever he decides it is, and whatever his network permits him to do.

Gutfeld said Kimmel was free to ignore criticism but not free to complain about receiving it.

“Look, he is right. He doesn’t have to listen to criticism, but then don’t complain about it,” Gutfeld said.

“You can do what you want and we can tell you what sucks. You get paid handsomely so take it like a man and stop blubbering.”

He then escalated the criticism by suggesting Kimmel had lost the self-awareness required for comedy.

“My feeling is, he’s hopeless because he’s decided he’s too important to be funny,” Gutfeld said.

“He’s incapable of self-deprecation, he can’t poke fun at himself and he lost the ability to be silly.”

The Fox host contrasted that with his own style, saying comedians should be willing to mock themselves first.

“I am a fool. I’m the first to admit it. I embrace it,” he said. “No one mocks me more than me.”

Gutfeld challenged Kimmel to experience political criticism from the opposite side.

“Try to be a right winger for a year, and I don’t complain,” he said, arguing conservatives in media are routinely targeted yet expected to absorb attacks without protest.

Kimmel defends his 'job' on Obama's podcast

The latest clash began after Kimmel appeared on Michelle Obama’s podcast and defended his heavy focus on politics and President Trump.

Kimmel pushed back on viewers who say late-night comedy should stay away from partisan issues.

“First of all, don’t tell me what my job is,” Kimmel said. “I don’t tell you what your job is.”

He continued saying, “My job is whatever I decide my job is, whatever my employer allows me to do. That’s what my job is.”

Kimmel also suggested that if he ignored current political events and avoided speaking honestly, he would find that embarrassing.