Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph says she confronted comedian Jimmy Kimmel after he crashed Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson’s acceptance speech at the 2022 Emmys.
Brunson was forced to step over Kimmel as he lay on stage pretending to be dead.
“I’m anticipating that we are going to have a good old-fashioned time,” Brunson said when asked about the incident during a virtual panel for ABC’s presentation at the TCA’s summer press tour, per Deadline. “I have talked with Jimmy since, and I think no matter what, it’s important to just showcase that ‘Abbott Elementary’ is premiering next week. It’s gonna be a good time and you’ll probably just have to tune in and watch.”
“I thought it played funny in the room,” said Lisa Ann Walter.
Ralph had a differing opinion.
“I was absolutely confused. I didn’t know what was going on,” she said. “I was like, ‘I wish that man would just get up off of the ground.’ And then I realized it was Jimmy Kimmel, and I was like, ‘Ooh, the disrespect, Jimmy!’ But that’s just me.”
Many viewers agreed.
“Sorry! I’m so sorry. It was lovely that he was lying on the floor during her wonderful acceptance speech!” Ralph said, tongue in cheek.
“I told him, too! To his face! And he understood,” Ralph continued.
Kimmel apologized to Brunson when she appeared as a guest on his show this week.
“I do want to explain this for those who may be confused by this. That was a dumb comedy bit that we thought would be funny. I lost, and then I drank too much, and I had to be dragged out on the stage. And then people got upset,” said Kimmel. “They said that I stole your moment, and maybe I did. I’m very sorry if I did do that — I’m sorry I did do that, actually. And also, the last thing I would ever want to do is upset you because I think so much of you, and I think you know that. I hope you know that.”
Brunson thanked Kimmel for his apology.
