Jimmy Kimmel has fans in stitches as he bids OJ Simpson farewell in icy tribute featuring 'OG troll' Jake Byrd

Jimmy Kimmel brought out his arsenal of jokes after OJ Simpson's death
UPDATED APR 12, 2024
Jimmy Kimmel brought back OJ Simpson's biggest supporter Jake Byrd in a hilarious tribute (@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube, Getty Images)
Jimmy Kimmel brought back OJ Simpson's biggest supporter Jake Byrd in a hilarious tribute (@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube, Getty Images)

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: Jimmy Kimmel, like many others, didn't express much sorrow over OJ Simpson's death on April 11.

Kimmel observed the unusual lack of widespread sympathy for a celebrity of OJ's stature following his death, sharing a tweet from Caitlyn Jenner, a former close friend, which read, "Good Riddance #OJSimpson".



 

Starting his monologue, Kimmel joked, "God I miss OJ so much already. I really do as most of you probably know the big story was that OJ Simpson went to hell today." 

"He uh arrived at 6.04 this morning turns out not much different than Florida," he added. 

Continuing, he said, "OJ was doesn't get an outpouring of love after news of his death; but it makes sense. This is from his old friend his former very good friend Caitlyn Jenner tweeted... 'good riddance OJ Simpson'"

"Bruce Jenner loved OJ. Caitlyn, not a fan," adding, "It's been a rough week for LA. First, we lost the 99 Cents store, and now this," Kimmel said hilariously. 

(@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube)
Jimmy Kimmel brought up Caitlyn Jenner's blunt message after OJ Simpson's death (@JimmyKimmelLive/YouTube)

Shifting gears, Kimmel then riffed on the OJ Simpson trial and its aftermath, saying this at the end of the show:

"You know, before Donald Trump, before DJT, we had OJ. It's wild to explain to the younger crowd just how huge the OJ story was. It was everywhere, like a permanent fixture on every TV screen. And in the midst of that chaos, we had our buddy Jake Byrd. This guy was like the ultimate celebrity supporter. Whether it was OJ, Michael Jackson, or Paris Hilton, if a celeb got into trouble, Jake was there with his unwavering support." 

Kimmel fondly recalled the role played by "our old pal Jake Byrd," a character who embodied the fervent support some celebrities garnered, regardless of their legal troubles.

LOVELOCK, NV - JULY 20: O.J. Simpson attends a parole hearing at Lovelock Correctional Center July 2
OJ Simpson died after battling prostrate cancer (Getty Images)

One particularly memorable moment highlighted by Kimmel was when Jake Byrd attended OJ's arraignment in Nevada.

OJ Simpson, infamous for his involvement in the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, found himself entangled in yet another legal debacle, this time attempting to reclaim his own memorabilia in Las Vegas.

(@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube)
Jake Byrd was an ardent supporter of OJ Simpson throughout his double-murder trial (@JimmyKimmelLive/YouTube)

"OJ committed a number of crimes trying to steal back his own memorabilia," Kimmel recounted. "He said, 'Jake Byrd who.' Not only did he cover the story, he became a part of the story."

Transporting viewers back to 2007, Kimmel revisited Jake Byrd's impassioned defense of OJ Simpson. "Wow, oh my gosh! Oh, Jake, you know what? I'll tell you, he might not have been the greatest husband in the world, but he was my buddy."  

Internet in stitches over Jimmy Kimmel's 'hilarious' tribute to OJ Simpson

Social media users couldn't contain their laughter as they hilariously reacted to the episode with witty commentary flooding timelines.

"Jake Byrd's 'commitment to the bit' was pretty amazing," one user noted. 

(@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube)

Another commented, "OJ finally ran out of juice." 

One more viewer said, "The Jake Byrd bit was hilarious! Nice to see he got some new teeth!"

(@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube)

"Kimmel is terrific he’s special!" praised one viewer. 

(@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube)

"Jake Byrd wearing the NO J shirt is peak comedy" said one more viewer. "You are so funny Jimmy! I love you!" another viewer mentioned. 

(@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube)
(@JimmyKimmelLive/Youtube)

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

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