Yes, Jimmy Kimmel apologized for the "kill Chinese skit" on his show in 2013. The incident, which took place during a "Kid's Table" segment, involved a child suggesting that the U.S. could solve its debt problem with China by "killing everyone in China".
Following protests and a petition campaign by Asian-American groups, both Kimmel and ABC issued multiple apologies.
Key details of the apology include:
- On-air apology: Kimmel addressed the controversy on his show and stated, "I thought it was obvious that I didn't agree with that statement, but apparently it wasn't... So I just want to say I am sorry. I apologize".
- Apology to protesters: Kimmel also met with and apologized directly to protesters outside his studio in Hollywood.
- Network apology: ABC, the network that airs the show, issued its own apology. In a letter to the 80-20 National Asian American Political Action Committee, ABC stated that it "would never purposefully broadcast anything to upset the Chinese community, Asian community, anyone of Chinese descent or any community at large".
- Removal of the segment: The network promised to remove the skit from all online platforms and edit it out of any future broadcasts.
