Jimmy Kimmel sparks outrage with joke about Robert Downey Jr's past substance use on Oscars 2024 stage

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Social media users expressed their dissatisfaction with Jimmy Kimmel's recent joke about Robert Downey Jr. Many found Kimmel's jibe at Downey's past struggles with drug abuse to be insensitive and disrespectful.

At the 2024 Academy Awards, Downey achieved a significant milestone by winning his first Oscar for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in the biopic drama 'Oppenheimer' directed by Christopher Nolan.

Downey lightened the emotional moment with humor, joking about his childhood and expressing gratitude to his wife, as well as to the director and co-stars of 'Oppenheimer'.

Jimmy Kimmel quips at Robert Downey Jr's past addictions on Oscars 2024

According to the Daily Mail, Kimmel was tasked with creating a relaxed atmosphere by hosting the prestigious awards ceremony in California. However, his opening monologue on Sunday, which included jokes about Downey's past drug use, didn't go over well with the 'Avengers Endgame' star's fans.

Returning for his fourth time hosting the Oscars, Kimmel dove right in, targeting A-listers one by one in his opening speech.

During the ceremony, as reported by the Daily Mail, Downey, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for 'Oppenheimer' and winner of the award, remained expressionless as Kimmel made a joke about his past struggles with addiction.

Addressing Downey directly, Kimmel joked, "This is the highest point in Robert Downey Jr's long and illustrious career. But, one of the highest points is-" Kimmel paused, gesturing to his nose, with the camera showing Downey doing the same, prompting Kimmel to quip, "Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made?"

Downey responded by motioning for Kimmel to continue with the monologue.

As reported by the Daily Mail, later, Kimmel praised Downey but ended with another joke that fell flat, asking the 'Iron Man' star, "But look at him, he's so handsome, so talented, he's won every award there is to win. Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular p**is?"

The joke didn't elicit a positive response, with Downey looking serious while facing the camera.

Internet users assert Jimmy Kimmel lacks 'class'

Social media users bombarded Kimmel with insults for his poor joke about Downey's past addictions.

A user wrote, "I thought that was mean and nasty.. Robert Downey Jr didn't deserve that diss..Jimmy Kimmel is not funny...🙃"

Another user wrote, "Such a lack of class for laughs… glad no one found it funny 😠"

A user commented, "Who tf still makes jokes about RDJ’s drug issues???? Like not only did he get off drugs he became a part of one of the most successful franchises of all time and is still killing it. Like Jesus write some new material."

One user suggested, "Robert Downey Jr if you want to Will Smith slap Jimmy Kimmel I don’t blame you."

Another user called out Kimmel and wrote, "When Jimmy Kimmel is still doing drug jokes about Robert Downey Jr. after he's been sober for two decades. #Oscars."

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