Jimmy Kimmel is definitely one of the most sought-after hosts out there. But he is also someone who has taken quite a bit of heat for his puns that rub some people the wrong way.  The Oscars 2024 was no exception. Some of his jokes at the 96th ceremony did not sit right with viewers, especially the one aimed at Robert Downey Jr.'s troubled past. While the actor did not show much of a reaction at the ceremony, besides a smile in Kimmel's direction, the truth has finally come to light. 

Robert Downey Jr. has finally responded to Jimmy Kimmel’s jab at the Oscars in a way that was pretty much expected.

Jimmy Kimmel kicked off the 2024 Oscars with a skit that quickly turned sour when he made an uncomfortable joke about Robert Downey Jr.'s past struggles with addiction. This did not sit well with fans and they took to socials criticizing the host. Kimmel joked, "This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr's long and illustrious career. Well, one of the highest points". When questioned about his reaction, the Oppenheimer star mentioned in his Esquire profile released on Monday, April 1st, “I do not care. I love Jimmy Kimmel. I think he is a national treasure.”

This response was pretty much on par for the course from the industry's coolest actor, who has never shied away from humorously addressing his own past. During his acceptance speech at the 2024 Oscars for Best Supporting Actor, the Iron Man star immediately began cracking jokes, opening with, "I'd like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order”. Kimmel, however, not only took digs at the Oppenheimer team but also shared his take on Barbie’s underwhelming show at the Oscars. 

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Jimmy Kimmel knew exactly where to point the finger for the Greta Gerwig snub at the Oscars, a decision by the Academy that raised a lot of eyebrows. 

One of the major criticisms leveled at the 2024 Oscars was the snub of Barbie's Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie from the nominations. Fans were particularly taken aback by Ryan Gosling's nomination, while the women from what was supposed to symbolize feminism were overlooked. While some may have brushed off that disappointment after the glamorous Oscars show, Jimmy Kimmel was not about to let it slide. He began the ceremony with a scathing monologue, calling out every Oscar voter who thought they did not have “anything to do with this”.

Kimmel kicked off by casually giving a nod to Gerwig. And as soon as fans started to applaud, Kimmel's tone shifted dramatically. He accused those very clapping hands for not voting for Greta Gerwig. Whether viewers found his Oscars hosting "unfunny" or offensive, with celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. backing him, the host could easily make a fifth return next year. 

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What do you think about Robert Downey Jr.’s response to Jimmy Kimmel’s joke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!