Jimmy Kimmel has threatened to take legal action against an American football player over suggestions the presenter’s name may appear on Jeffrey Epstein’s client list.
Aaron Rodgers, a quarterback for the New York Jets, said on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday: “There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, really hoping that doesn’t come out.
“I’ll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle,” Rodgers added.
Aaron Rodgers on the field after a New York Jets game on Christmas Eve
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What to know about the documents
The list refers to documents relating to more than 170 people who were either associates, friends or victims of disgraced financier Epstein.
The documents are set to be made public after a court ruling in December.
The individuals due to be named were given 14 days to appeal against the judge’s decision, meaning the details are likely to be released in early January.
Jimmy Kimmel hosting the 2023 Oscars
Kimmel wrote on X: “Dear Aa**hole: for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality.
“Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court. @AaronRodgers12.”
Rodgers, who sparked controversy with his anti-vaccine stance, had previously been branded as a “tin-foil hatter” by Kimmel and mocked on his show Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Rodgers is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in American football and won the Super Bowl in 2011 with the Green Bay Packers.
Kimmel is set to host the Oscars for the fourth time in March.