Here’s A Breakdown Of The Drama Between Jimmy Kimmel And Aaron Rodgers Over The Jeffrey Epstein Client List

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This article mentions child sex abuse and sex trafficking.

In July 2019, millionaire Jeffrey Epstein was arrested on federal charges for the sex trafficking of minors, but was found dead in his jail cell the following month.

closeup of him
Handout / Getty Images

Two years later, Epstein’s decades-long associate Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested on sex trafficking charges and conspiracy for helping Epstein procure girls as young as 14 for child sex abuse and prostitution.

Ghislaine Maxwell smiles as she walks next to Epstein
Patrick Mcmullan / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

In 2022, Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of assisting Epstein in grooming and sexually abusing young girls for several years.

A closeup of Ghislaine Maxwell
Sylvain Gaboury / Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

And towards the end of last year, it was revealed that almost 200 names connected to Epstein and Maxwell’s sex trafficking conspiracy would be released early this month.

  Rick Friedman / Corbis via Getty Images
Rick Friedman / Corbis via Getty Images

The list will confirm the identities of dozens of Epstein’s associates, who were previously only known as John and Jane Does in court paperwork.

epstien's arms around maxwell
Patrick Mcmullan / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

It is anticipated that some of the names on this list will be known public figures, and on Tuesday, Jimmy Kimmel threatened legal action after NFL star Aaron Rodgers suggested that he may be one of them.

closeup of jimmy in a suit
Mindy Small / Getty Images

For context, in March of last year, Jimmy mocked Aaron for mentioning Epstein’s client list during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

A closeup of Aaron Rodgers
Megan Briggs / Getty Images

On the show, Aaron had said: “Did you hear about the Epstein client list about to be released, too? There’s some files that had some names on it that might be getting released pretty soon.”

  Perry Knotts / Getty Images
Perry Knotts / Getty Images

Jimmy aired this clip on Jimmy Kimmel Live, referring to Aaron as a “tin foil hatter” and joking that it “might be time” for the football star to “revisit that concussion protocol.”

Twitter: @GBPdaily / Via Twitter: @GBPdaily

Fast-forward to this week, and Aaron took a swipe at Jimmy as the release of the list looms closer. During another appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, he acknowledged that Epstein’s list is “supposed to be coming out soon,” before adding: “There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, who are really hoping that it doesn't come out.”

  ESPN / Via Twitter: @jimmykimmel

In response, Pat reminded viewers how Jimmy had previously “mocked” Aaron for his comments about the Epstein list, and said: “Aaron has not forgotten about that.”

  Kevin Winter / Getty Images
Kevin Winter / Getty Images

“I'll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle,” Aaron concluded.

ESPN / Via Twitter: @CollinRugg

This clip was posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, by businessperson Collin Rugg, and Jimmy wasted no time in setting the record straight.

  Rb / GC Images
Rb / GC Images

Quote-tweeting Collin’s post, Jimmy said: “Dear Aasshole: 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.”

ESPN / Via Twitter: @jimmykimmel

“Your reckless words put my family in danger,” he went on. “Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court. @AaronRodgers12.” Aaron has not publicly responded to Jimmy’s message.

  Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images

Famous names previously linked to Epstein include Britain’s Prince Andrew. In 2021, Virginia Giuffre alleged that she was trafficked to the prince by Epstein and Maxwell when she was 16 and 17 years old.

closeup of prince andrew with white hair wearing a suit
Wpa Pool / Getty Images

She accused Prince Andrew of “sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress,” and the civil lawsuit was settled out of court without admission of liability for a reported $12 million. Prince Andrew has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE, which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.

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