Jimmy Kimmel’s name not on unsealed Epstein list, despite what Aaron Rodgers claims

Who’s on the infamous “list?”

Jimmy Kimmel says definitely not him, no matter what the comic’s nemesis Aaron Rodgers says — and the information released so far supports him.

On Tuesday, Rodgers appeared on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” and threw Kimmel’s name out there, a day before a roundup of Jeffrey Epstein associates came to light.

The emerging list of 150 “John Does” comes from Wednesday’s release of unsealed court records and includes former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, among others. Kimmel does not appear among the names released so far of myriad, high-profile individuals linked to the late disgraced financier who owned a mansion in Palm Beach.

READ MORE: First look at Jeffrey Epstein ‘John Doe’ files: Clinton, Copperfield, Trump and more

“A lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, are hoping that doesn’t come out,” Rodgers declared, with a smirk. “I’ll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle.”

Soon after, Kimmel, who has feuded with Rodgers since the pandemic over his non-vaccination stance, among other issues, responded:

“Dear A-----e: for the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the clearly phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality,” said the late-night host’s post on X, formerly Twitter. “Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court.”

The Epstein records were unsealed in response to years-long litigation by the Miami Herald and its parent company, McClatchy, dating to 2018. The documents stem from a 2015 defamation lawsuit an Epstein victim brought against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s girlfriend who is currently serving time for her role in recruiting and sexually abusing underage girls.

So, if KImmel were to sue Rodgers, would he be successful?

Frank Salzano, a managing partner at NYC sports law firm Salzano Ettinger Lampert & Wilson, told Newsweek that “the statements very likely could constitute defamation.” But due to the TV personality’s fame, he may have a tougher time seeing restitution.

“Given Kimmel is a public figure, he may need to show that Rodgers had some malintent when making the statements,” Salzano told the outlet. “Whether this sees a courtroom or not, negative press like this could result in companies that Rodgers and Kimmel endorse to distance themselves until this blows over.”

Court TV anchor Vinnie Politan added if the New York Jets quarterback said he was joking, he’d be likely off the hook, because satire is protected by the First Amendment.

“If the comment was made in jest and no reasonable person would believe he was reporting an alleged fact, there is no defamation,” Politan said.

At least one person thinks this mess could blow over if Rodgers just said he was sorry: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

On his eponymous podcast Wednesday, the sports journalist addressed the controversy:

“Let me say this to Aaron Rodgers: Jeffrey Epstein, ... [he’s] nothing to joke about,” Smith said. “Aaron Rodgers should apologize, just plain and simple... We’re human beings first. If I said something egregiously wrong about somebody, and they point out factually that I’m wrong, I’d apologize.”

Pat McAfee, for one, has already owned up to this mess.

“We apologize for being a part of it,” the sports analyst said after Kimmel’s post went viral. “I can’t wait to hear what Aaron has to say about it. Hopefully, those two will just be able to settle this, you know, not work-wise, but be able to chitchat and move along.”

As of Thursday afternoon, Rodgers had yet to comment on the matter.