The late-night host, back from paternity leave, responds to the media calling him a "Hollywood elitist" for discussing health care and gives an update on his son's health.
00:00I saved health insurance in the United States of America. Thank you.
00:05Jimmy Kimmel returned from paternity leave to his late night show Monday night.
00:09He began by assuring the Jimmy Kimmel Live audience that his son Billy is doing well.
00:13He told them he's getting better, he's sleeping well, and even can read now.
00:17In case you somehow missed it, Kimmel opened up about his newborn's open heart surgery last week in a very emotional monologue.
00:24He encouraged viewers to donate to Children's Hospital LA and urged politicians to take stories like Billy's into consideration when thinking about health care.
00:32During his return Monday night, Kimmel spoke about the humbling outpouring of support and many donations that indeed did come in to Children's Hospital LA in response to his story.
00:42He also mentioned the online backlash he received for his stance on accessible health care, including from members of the media, with some he said calling him an out-of-touch Hollywood elitist creep.
00:52I would like to apologize for saying that children in America should have health care, he sarcastically told his audience.
01:00That was insensitive. It was offensive. And I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
01:05Since Kimmel's emotional plea, the House of Representatives has passed legislation to repeal and replace large parts of the Affordable Care Act.
01:13Now, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy is using Kimmel's story as a sort of rallying cry, demanding that any new health care bill pass the Kimmel test,
01:21meaning that if a child is born with health problems, they should be able to get the care they need, no matter their family's financial situation.
01:29Kimmel invited Cassidy to call into the show Monday to talk about health care and the Kimmel test.
01:33Kimmel defined what the test should be this way.
01:36No family should be denied medical care, emergency or otherwise, because they can't afford it.
01:40Can that be the Jimmy Kimmel test?
01:43Cassidy's response?
01:45Hey man, you're on the right track.
01:47Guys, head to THR.com to check out the full interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
01:51So, what's your take on the host's return and his ongoing health care conversation?
01:55Let me know in the comments.
01:56For The Hollywood Reporter News, I'm Paul Castabile.
01:59This episode of The Hollywood Reporter News is brought to you by American Airlines, Hollywood's favorite airline.
02:04The Hollywood Reporter News is brought to you by American Airlines.
Be the first to comment