When Jokes Go Too Far: Jimmy Kimmel's Controversial Stand-Up at Disney Upfront

Jimmy Kimmel Sparks Outrage with Distasteful Menendez Brothers Joke at Disney Upfront, Leaving Audience Divided Over His Humorous Take on Manning Brothers' Performance

Jimmy Kimmel has found himself at the center of controversy following his recent performance at the 2025 Disney Upfront event. The comedian, known for his sharp wit, stirred up a backlash when he compared football icons Eli and Peyton Manning to the infamously incarcerated Menendez brothers during his stand-up routine. The 57-year-old host was attempting humor during Eli, 44, and Peyton, 49’s, musical performance aimed at promoting various Disney projects. But Kimmel’s remarks quickly took a darker turn, and the audience's response indicated that they were not amused.

Kimmel sarcastically thanked the Manning brothers for addressing a burning question: “What if two jars of mayonnaise could sing?” He continued with the punchline that their performance was indeed not good enough, saying, “The answer is: They can’t, and they shouldn’t.” But the joke didn’t end there. In a moment that many found particularly inappropriate, Kimmel added, “That was worse than what the Menendez brothers did.” His comments drew groans from the audience, prompting him to follow up with a cheeky, “Too soon or too late?” The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are notorious for having murdered their parents in a high-profile case in 1989, and this angle of humor struck many as distasteful.

The awkward timing of Kimmel’s comments coincided with a significant legal development for the Menendez brothers. A Los Angeles judge recently changed their sentences from life without parole to life with the possibility of parole, raising the prospect of their eventual release after spending over three decades behind bars. This juxtaposition made Kimmel’s remarks even more contentious. As if trying to double down on his schtick, he made another jab at the Mannings later in his New York City set, humorously announcing, “Ladies and gentlemen, here with another song, the Manning brothers,” despite the fact that Eli and Peyton did not return for another performance. Critics on social media wasted no time sharing their disdain for Kimmel, with one user declaring, “Kimmel is an ass!” Others, however, seemed to support Kimmel’s take on the brothers’ performance, with one person remarking that “Kimmel ain’t wrong.”

Throughout his more than 10-minute routine, Kimmel did not limit his humor to the Mannings. He also had fun at the expense of Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, humorously recalling how this was his “millionth upfront” event and playfully comparing the gig to an annual prostate exam. Kimmel’s commentary highlighted Iger’s long tenure and the fact that he has been leading Disney for an impressive two decades but has lately appeared more reluctant. The roast continued as Kimmel suggested that Iger was there out of obligation rather than genuine interest, joking that Iger couldn’t care less about any specific show or presentation. “You think Bob gives a s–t about ‘The Rookie’ Season 8? Bob doesn’t care if this whole room turns into ‘Avengers: Endgame’ dust, OK? But he showed up," Kimmel teased, capturing the absurdity of the situation.

Meanwhile, the Manning brothers took the stage anew to showcase their upcoming Hulu comedy project, “Chad Powers,” which stars Glen Powell. The show is inspired by a segment in which Eli Manning dons a disguise to prove his worth and humorously navigate the challenges of being labeled a disgraced sports star. Interestingly, Eli and Peyton serve as executive producers, bridging their football legacy with their Hollywood ambitions. However, the buzz around this potential comedy was momentarily overshadowed by Kimmel's biting remarks, leaving many in the audience divided.

In the glitzy realm of celebrity events, clashes of humor and taste often spark intense discussions. Kimmel’s standing as a late-night personality means that he frequently wades into controversial waters, but this instance appears to remind both him and his audience about the fine line comedians walk when attempting to provoke laughter. While some fans expressed solidarity with the comedian's sentiments toward the Mannings, others were quick to call out his insensitivity. This incident highlighted the complexities of celebrity culture, where public figures are held to high social standards, often scrutinized for the jokes they make.

As celebrities continue to navigate the intersection of entertainment and social responsibility, Kimmel’s performance at the Disney Upfront serves as a prime example of how humor can incite a range of reactions. Whether audiences resonate with Kimmel’s style or recoil in discomfort, the reality is that he remains a polarizing figure in comedy. For now, the Mannings find themselves in a complicated spotlight as they embark on their comedic venture, all while Kimmel reflects on his approach in a world where laughter can sometimes come at a cost.