Quinta Brunson Reacts to Jimmy Kimmel’s Emmys 2022 Joke Backlash

The joke didn’t land. Jimmy KimmelHe pretended to be dead while on stage, drawing backlash Quinta BrunsonHer sitcom received a Primetime Emmy Award Abbott Elementary.

“I know Jimmy Kimmel, and I don’t know. I felt like the bit didn’t bother me that much,” Brunson, 32 — who won for both Outstanding Writing and Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the Monday, September 12, awards show — told reporters in the Emmys press room after picking up the honor.

Kimmel was a Philadelphia native who also added that he was an early supporter. Abbott Elementary, which she also created.

“Honestly, it was kind of … Jimmy gave me my first big late-night spot and was one of the first people to see Abbott,” she continued. “He Instagram messaged me that he saw this comedy and thought it was one of the greatest comedies of all time, and he was so excited it was going to be on ABC.”

Brunson then joked that maybe she’ll begin to feel differently after further reflection. “Tomorrow, maybe I’ll be mad at him. I’m going to be on his show on Wednesday, so I might punch him in the face. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” she quipped.


Quinta Brunson & Jimmy Kimmel
Photo by Mark Terrill/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

The 54-year-old late night host’s gag began with Will ArnettHe dragged him onto the stage to present the award. He pretended to be dead as Arnett, 52 read the nominees and announced Arnett’s winner. Some viewers didn’t appreciate that he remained motionless onstage while Brunson gave her speech.

“Jimmy Kimmel should have left the stage during Quinta’s speech. Highly disrespectful,” one Twitter user wrote.

“Quinta Brunson deserved better than giving her acceptance over Jimmy Kimmel’s ‘dead body,’” another chimed in.

The Man’s ShowFor his part, the alum had nothing but praises to say about it Black Lady Sketch ShowActress after the incident.

“She is so unbelievably talented. And I saw her pilot before it came out on ABC, and I wrote to her, and I was like, ‘I don’t know how we got this, but congratulations. You made a pilot that any network would be ecstatic to get.’ She’s a lovely person as well,” he told Entertainment TonightAfter the Emmys.

Before she starts her acceptance speech, Single Parents alum said, “Jimmy, wake up, I won.” When the New York native didn’t budge, she joked, “OK, hold my phone,” and proceeded.

Brunson thanked all her family, including her husband. Kevin Jay Anik, calling him “the most supportive man I’ve ever known.”