Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
To say that Hugh Hefner’s death at the age of 91 has left a void in pop culture would be an understatement. The Playboy founder was a fixation in the cultural conversation for over 60 years, so it’s no surprise that he’s still being talked about after his death. That’s where late night comedians come in, as their nightly shows attempt to make light of the day-to-day grind. That’s what Jimmy Kimmel tried to do (perhaps unsuccessfully) on his late night show, and some viewers didn’t appreciate the way he talked about Hefner posthumously.
When Kimmel isn’t going all-in on his fight for universal healthcare, calling out senators for lying to his face, and dissing Brian Kilmeade as a “phony little creep,” he’s your standard late night jokester. Lately we’ve seen a lot more of Kimmel’s compassionate side and a lot less of Kimmel’s Man Show side, but that irreverent humor came back in full force in a series of zingers directed at Hefner… the day after he died.
Zinger!: “Hugh Hefner was probably the only person ever to be disappointed by Heaven. ‘What’s with all these harps? Let’s get some naked girls in here.'”
Zinger!: “Mr. Hefner was an advocate for racial equality, free speech, and equal rights–but mostly he’ll be remembered for the boobs.”
Kimmel also said Hefner’s greatest achievement was “figuring out a way to wear pajamas to work everyday.” He then mentioned that Hefner will be interred next to Marilyn Monroe, joking, “I guess the spot under her is already taken.” The monologue concluded with Vatican-style “footage” from “Playboy Mansion” depicting the wait for the appointment of the “new mayor of Penistown.”
Kimmel didn’t pull any punches, and YouTube commenters aren’t happy about it The bit has been called “disrespectful,” “distasteful,” “poor taste,” “inappropriate,” and “too soon.” Kimmel was called “leftist scum” possessing “no soul” and having “little class.” And on top of that, there are plenty of commenters angry that so many people are angry. Classic YouTube! And then there are some people that thought the “mayor of Penistown” bit was real. Sigh.
(via Huffington Post)
