Malala Yousafzai and Jimmy Kimmel have very separate careers, but they somehow made the headlines following an exchange at the Oscars. However, the activist reacted with a peaceful message hours after the event.
Jimmy Kimmel, the 2023’s Oscars host made a handful of jokes that did not sit well with fans. The 55-year-old engaged his audience with a Robert Blake joke preceding the Memoriam.
He talked about the deceased star who following his wife’s murder allegations suffered a downslide in his career.
While many fans kicked against his utterances concerning a recently deceased man, they also refused to give the nod to Malala Yousafzai and Jimmy Kimmel exchange.
Jimmy Kimmel asks Malala Yousafzai a viewer question: “As the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history, I was wondering, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?”
“I only talk about peace.” #Oscars#Oscars95https://t.co/OizA2V2cyr pic.twitter.com/krf3VvN7os
— ABC News (@ABC) March 13, 2023
Fans Criticized the Malala Yousafzai and Jimmy Kimmel Exchange
The cameras zoomed in on Malala Yousafzai and Jimmy Kimmel— when the late-night host read a message from a fan named Joanne.
He said:
“She asked, your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspiration–as the youngest Nobel prize winner in history, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?”
A rather uncertain Malala replied, “I only talk about peace.” Kimmel carried on with his joke, lauding the Nobel prize winner.
Much later, things became slightly complex as a costumed cocaine bear moved to Malala making her visibly uncomfortable.
Though Kimmel shunned the bear, fans were unforgiving about the entire episode. They fired at the presenter for being insensitive towards Malala.
One fan branded the host as a “national disgrace,” claiming that Malala deserved better.
The Pakistan native was a teenager vocal about education while in her home country. But she was shot by the Pakistan Taliban in 2012.
Fortunately, she made it through treatment and received a Nobel Peace Prize. Despite her last turmoil, Malala has continued to advocate for women and kids in Pakistan.
Malala Yousafzai Replies Oscar Exchange Via Post
Following the Kimmel-fan-motivated criticisms, the 25-year-old shared a video of the episode on Twitter, before adding the words:
“Treat people with kindness.”
A flock of fans gathered under the comment, showing solidarity with the young activist. Some branded her “icon,” and others recalled the uncomfortable situation.