George Santos sues Jimmy Kimmel after taking distasteful jab at Amy Schumer’s appearance
Former Congressman George Santos has decided to controversially weigh in on a recent social media discussion regarding comedian Amy Schumer and a physical transformation she’s gone through. Schumer’s received a lot of publicity recently due to TV appearances wherein netizens noticed that her face looked different.
In an Instagram post, Schumer addressed the criticism about her face, stating it was “puffier than normal” due to her ongoing battle with endometriosis, a condition causing painful periods and sex. While the actress’ openness about her health garnered support, not everyone responded sympathetically.
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In the post, Schumer also wrote: “I also believe a woman doesn’t need any excuse for her physical appearance and owes no explanation. But I wanted to take the opportunity to advocate for self-love and acceptance of the skin you’re in. Like every other woman/person some days I feel confident and good as hell and others I want to put a bag over my head. But I feel strong and beautiful and so proud of this TV show I created. Wrote. Starred in and directed. Maybe just maybe we can focus on that for a little.”
On Friday 16 February 2024, the same day the comedian shared this post, Santos decided to let users know about his own feelings on the matter. The former US Republican shared his sympathies with Schumer’s struggle, yet simultaneously asserted that mocking her appearance was justifiable.
Santos, seemingly armed with a quiver of sarcasm, stated that Schumer, having made a career out of jesting about others for two decades, should graciously accept the joke, adding that she possesses the resilience to handle such humour.
“I’m sorry to hear about Amy Schumer’s diagnosis and I pray for her recovery. However… it is fair game to make fun of her just like she’s made a career and MILLIONS off making jokes about people’s appearances for 20+ years, and I think Amy has thick enough skin to handle the critics,” Santos wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding: “So to honour Amy and her beauty here goes a fabulous beauty shot of Amy’s last appearance. 😘❤️”
I’m sorry to hear about Amy Schumer’s diagnosis and I pray for her recovery.
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) February 16, 2024
However… it is fair game to make fun of her just like she’s made a career and MILLIONS off making jokes about people appearances for 20+ years.
The media trying to call it foul play is absolutely… pic.twitter.com/YGGknswjoN
Users were quick to react, with some firing back and commenting: “You are a mess for this [photo]… you’re going too far…” In fact, some were so offended that it became apparent that the American politician’s attempt at humour did not land where he intended it to.
At least she isn't such a desperate loser that she has to resort to Cameo commissions
— Giorgio Marauder (@TwoHeadedGoy) February 17, 2024
actually, she has so good point on that but you’re a mess for this photo my dear.
— Olivia P. Walker (@olivia_p_walker) February 16, 2024
Simultaneously, karma proved to be faster than a speeding bullet, living up to its reputation as an unrelenting force. Just a day after Santos posted the commentary on Schumer’s appearance, the political rollercoaster took an unexpected twist when it was revealed that the Republican had filed a lawsuit against chat show host Jimmy Kimmel. It appears that the controversial politician found himself entangled in a situation where he couldn’t quite practice what he had been preaching. It seems he lacked the proverbial thick skin when the tables turned, and jokes started revolving around him.
According to The Independent, Santos has alleged that Kimmel duped him into crafting videos on the Cameo app, only to then have those videos turned against him on the show, becoming fodder for ridicule. This legal saga unfolds in the US District Court for the southern district of New York, with Kimmel, ABC, and Walt Disney Co. all named as defendants. The laundry list of charges Santos is throwing into the legal ring includes copyright infringement, fraudulent inducement, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment.
Starting in December 2023, the videos were featured in a segment titled ‘Will Santos Say It?’ according to the lawsuit. In one of these clips, Santos is seen extending congratulations to the purported winner of a beef-eating contest, commending their ability to consume 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) of loose ground beef in under 30 minutes as “amazing and impressive.”
Robert Fantone, an attorney representing Santos, noted in an email: “Frankly, Kimmel’s fake requests were funny, but what he did was a clear violation of copyright law.”
Santos is now pursuing statutory damages amounting to $750,000 for the five videos he created that were broadcast on the show and various social media platforms. Additionally, he is requesting further damages to be determined during the trial—a surprising turn for someone who previously advocated for having a thick skin.
This latest drama comes on the heels of Santos’ expulsion from the House of Representatives last year, a consequence of charges related to fraud and misappropriation of funds from donors.
While Santos, undeterred by his political downfall, now seeks legal redress for alleged wrongs committed against him, the irony of a politician who once stood in the hallowed halls of Congress now fighting his battles in the courtroom is hard to ignore…
Schumer’s recent appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and The View were intended to promote the second season of her Hulu series, Life & Beth, a comedy-drama she writes, directs, and stars in:
This isn’t the first time Schumer has openly discussed her experience with endometriosis either. In September 2021, she underwent surgery to remove her uterus and appendix as a treatment for the condition. In a subsequent Instagram post, Schumer expressed relief, stating that her “lifelong pain” had been explained and “lifted out of my body,” leaving her a “changed person.” However, the procedure meant she could no longer carry a pregnancy, a decision she had already made after undergoing challenging rounds of IVF to welcome her son in May 2019.
