A video clip from a 2007 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has resurfaced, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. The footage shows comedian Andy Dick engaging in inappropriate behavior by groping Ivanka Trump during her appearance on the show. The incident, viewed through the lens of the #MeToo movement, has reignited discussions about sexual harassment and the normalization of misconduct against women.
In the clip, Andy Dick interrupts Ivanka Trump’s interview, making an inappropriate comment about the “glitter” on her legs. He then reaches over and begins rubbing her legs, despite her visible discomfort. Ivanka attempts to laugh off the situation and brushes away Dick’s hands while trying to maintain her composure. Jimmy Kimmel, the host, repeatedly tells Dick, “Andy, please don’t touch Ivanka,” but Dick ignores him.
Ivanka tries to defuse the situation by joking, “Oh wait, did I say I was single? I thought I had a boyfriend,” yet Dick persists. This forces Kimmel to intervene more forcefully, physically removing Dick’s hands from Ivanka and warning him that “Donald Trump will kill both of us.” The situation escalates until security has to drag Dick off the stage, turning the segment into chaos.
The video, once again brought to public attention, has drawn significant criticism. Many see it as a stark example of how such inappropriate behavior was often downplayed or dismissed. Critics argue that both Kimmel and Trump attempted to manage the situation as best they could, given the circumstances, but that the incident exemplifies the kind of misconduct women routinely face.
Andy Dick’s response to the incident has only fueled the backlash. In a 2017 Instagram post, Dick made light of his behavior, referring to it as “the time I groped Trump’s daughter Ivanka on Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and joking about mistakenly thinking she would date him. This lack of remorse has drawn even more ire from the public.
The incident on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is not an isolated case in Andy Dick’s career. In April 2018, Dick was convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery after a ride-sharing driver accused him of grabbing his genitals. Dick has faced numerous other accusations over the years, including groping, licking, and other forms of sexual misconduct on film sets and at comedy shows.
In the aftermath of the episode, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the incident, explaining that Dick was “a little out of it” during the show. Kimmel noted that Dick wanted a “big, wet kiss” from Ivanka, prompting Kimmel to physically remove him from the stage. Kimmel described Dick as “nutty” and admitted that he always felt uncomfortable around him due to his unpredictable behavior.
The resurfacing of this clip has intensified discussions about the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. It underscores the importance of addressing such behavior promptly and effectively, rather than downplaying it. The public’s reaction to the video highlights a growing intolerance for misconduct and a demand for accountability, regardless of when the incident occurred.
The resurfaced video from “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has cast a harsh light on past behaviors and attitudes towards sexual harassment. While the incident was handled as best as possible by Kimmel and Ivanka Trump at the time, it serves as a reminder of the pervasive issues that women face. The public’s outrage and condemnation reflect a societal shift towards greater accountability and respect for personal boundaries.