Jimmy Kimmel called news outlets like CNN, Los Angeles Times and New York Times “fake news” and joked they weren’t allowed at the Oscars Sunday.
During the 89th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Calif., the host called attention to several news outlets and joked that while Hollywood loves “fake tans” and “fake news” would not be tolerated.
“We have many wonderful stars and moments to share tonight and we will,” Kimmel announced to the crowd. “But before we go any further, if there is anyone here from CNN or the L.A. or New York Times. If you work for anything with the word times in it, even like Medieval times, I’d like to ask you to leave the building right now, okay.”
“We have no tolerance for fake news,” he added. “Fake tans we love, but fake news…”
The host’s comments come after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer held an informal press briefing on Friday excluding some news outlets. Reporters from CNN, New York Times, and Politico were excluded from the briefing. President Donald Trump has also called outlets like CNN and the Times “fake news” in speeches and via Twitter.
“FAKE NEWS media knowingly doesn’t tell the truth. A great danger to our country. The failing @nytimes has become a joke. Likewise @CNN. Sad!,” Trump tweeted on Friday.
FAKE NEWS media knowingly doesn’t tell the truth. A great danger to our country. The failing @nytimes has become a joke. Likewise @CNN. Sad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017
The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2017