Jimmy Kimmel faced calls on X for his show to end after a sketch mocking White House aide Natalie Harp, with one critic declaring that 'his show can't end fast enough!'
The criticism followed a Jimmy Kimmel Live! segment featuring Molly McNearney, Kimmel's wife and co-head writer, as an exaggerated version of Harp. The parody centred on the aide's reported devotion to President Donald Trump.
Jimmy Kimmel Draws Mixed Reactions
The criticism included an objection to the choice of target. 'Cus attacking a bone cancer survivor is always hilarious,' one commenter wrote, referring to Harp's health history. Another urged the programme's cancellation, while a further commenter claimed Kimmel would not be working much longer.
Others defended the sketch. 'Scary part is that this is so close to reality, it barely counts as parody,' one X user wrote.
Another X user suggested the sketch would anger Trump's supporters. 'If MAGA was upset at @ossoff for merely mentioning Natalie, this skit is gonna make them lose what's left of their minds,' they wrote.
Other hosts have also discussed Harp. Bill Maher called her Trump's 'emotional support employee', but defended her work ethic, saying, 'She seems incredibly devoted to her job, never takes a day off.'
Rosie O'Donnell also referred to Harp while guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Addressing Trump during her third night on the programme, she said it was time to 'let Natalie tuck you in'.
Kimmel, who frequently criticises the Trump administration, had previously described Harp as the 'president of the president's fan club'. His earlier remarks also targeted her role in bringing news coverage to Trump's attention.
Inside Jimmy Kimmel's Harp Sketch
According to The Blast's account, McNearney interrupted Kimmel's monologue carrying a laptop, briefcase and golf equipment. Kimmel introduced her character as his aide, Natalie.
McNearney described Kimmel as her 'guardian and protector', a phrase attributed to Harp in messages to Trump. Her character offered to post 'Truths' for him, then asked to look inside his mouth.
After Kimmel said he did not need her, the character became distressed. He picked her up, prompting the line, 'Your hands are so soft, and your body's so strong.'
Guillermo Rodriguez was then asked to escort her backstage. As she left, McNearney's character complained that she would be unable to 'smell' or 'wipe' Kimmel and called out, 'I'll be waiting in the shower.'
The performance also included a complaint about Kimmel's wife, with McNearney's character shouting, 'Your wife doesn't deserve you!' before calling the host's body 'a wonderland'.
At the White House, Harp serves as special assistant and executive assistant to the president. The 35-year-old has been nicknamed his 'human printer' because she carries a portable printer with her to supply him with news articles and social media posts.
Trump biographer Michael Wolff released letters attributed to Harp that included 'You are all that matters to me' and 'I don't want to ever let you down'. Those messages provided context for the sketch's depiction of her attachment to the president.
Harp has publicly credited Trump's Right to Try Act with giving her access to experimental treatments that saved her life.
