Update: Sean Hannity has accepted Jimmy Kimmel’s apology and agrees “it’s time to move on.” See below

ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has apologized for mocking First Lady Melania Trump’s accent. That’s what the headlines tell you. But clearly the media aren’t reading closely.

Kimmel did issue a lengthy statement Sunday. It followed a nasty week-long feud with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, triggered by Kimmel’s snarky assault on the First Lady. That feud included Kimmel issuing a crude, homophobic Twitter riff alleging a sexual relationship between Hannity and President Trump. It was only after facing backlash from the gay community did the comedian have second thoughts about his antics. He apologized to them, saying “I most certainly did not intend to belittle or upset members of the gay community and to those who took offense, I apologize.”

But what of Melania?

What Kimmel Said

Read this closely:

re. @seanhannity pic.twitter.com/DMtWJTMsDU

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 8, 2018

So What is He Saying?

After a promising start, he says, in effect:

1. I’m the victim.
2. I will examine my words to see how they incite the hatred toward me in others. (But what about his hatred?)
3. I was just lampooning Hannity’s “deference” to the president with the gay slurs.
4. My mocking of Melania was a “harmless and silly aside.”
5. While pretending to apologize to Melania I’m actually taking yet another shot at her husband.
6. While pretending and being credited with de-escalating the situation with Hannity I am: a) accusing him of attacking me for ratings; b) suggesting he is anti-woman, anti-immigrant; c) mocking his “heroic battle.” 

Yes, regardless of how the media is tweeting it, that is no apology to Melania. Or Hannity, who doesn’t want one for himself anyway. Or, for that matter, for the daily vulgar, hateful assaults on the president. The only people he is apologizing to is the LGBT community — and even then, only “to those who took offense.”

Amazingly, the Associated Press’ story Sunday about the Kimmel apology did not mention his homophobic slurs or the outcry against it from the LGBT community. If a conservative writer did that, we’d hear about it for a week. Another example of the liberal media protecting their own.

What is Helpful

However, Kimmel did say two things we can build on (emphasis mine):

1. “After some thought, I realize that the level of vitriol from all sides (mine and me included) does nothing good for anyone and, in fact, is harmful to our country.”
2. “I, too, will give my words more thought and recognize my role in inciting their hatefulness.” 

Good to hear.

As I’ve mentioned before, I made a living writing topical humor. I know “silly asides.” I know the “fun” of a caustic “back and forth.” I know the tasty, daily temptation of “How do I top that? How do I take it down?” It ain’t braggin’, but I could have feasted for a week on Michelle Obama’s comment about her husband being “the good parent” and Trump being “The fun parent.”

So I get it. But I also get the responsibility. Poking fun at political figures is a glorious tradition in America. Doing Donald Trump jokes — even Melania jokes — is expected, even demanded. The problem is the malice behind the punch lines. As just noted, Kimmel cannot even hide his contempt in a supposed apology. Hopefully he’ll pick up on this during his period of self-reflection.

My prayer is Kimmel does come to recognize his sizable contribution to the level of vitriol in the nation. He is a popular late-night television comedian. If he is using his position to further divide the country he is, indeed (and in deed), harming the country. He’s doing nothing good for anyone. 

This is the toll he, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live — among others — have exacted since Donald Trump was elected. Stoking anger, pouring gasoline on fire. Using humor to hurt.

My Hope for Kimmel

So I do hope Kimmel comes to embrace the role he has been given: to use comedy to knit people together, and offer laughter at the end of days filled with rancor. Jimmy Kimmel has been blessed with the gift of humor. Those with the gift see things in unique ways. The trick is using humor to point toward a better way.

There are two trees of humor. One tree holds “It is us against them” (Whether it be male vs female, liberal vs conservative, or smart city people vs those stupid deplorable hicks.)  The other tree holds, “We are all in this together.”

Kimmel has made bank selling the fruit of the first tree. It leaves a bitter taste and rots quickly. 

It’s time he tries the other tree. The fruit is sweet and stays fresh forever. 

Hannity Accepts Apology

Meanwhile, Sean Hannity accepted Jimmy Kimmel’s apology during his Fox News program last night, saying “that’s what my religion teaches me.” He also offered the Kimmel the chance to come on his show for a full hour to debate politics, culture and comedy. 

Everyone should accept apologies, that’s how I was raised, that’s what my religion teaches me. I assume @JimmyKimmelLive is sincere. I agree w/Jimmy in this sense it’s time to move on. It was never about Hannity versus Kimmel, it’s a lot bigger than that https://t.co/sGBXHyNIaU

— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) April 10, 2018

Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream, and co-author of the upcoming book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. It’s out May 21 from Regnery publishing, but is available for pre-order today. Right now. This very instant.