By Sarah Taylor
Late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel has announced that he is taking a break from "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for the summer. The announcement comes on the heels of a recently resurfaced blackface controversy in which Kimmel took heavy criticism for dressing up as a former NBA player. What are the details?
On Thursday, Kimmel announced his summer leave, citing the need for a "couple of months off."
In a video announcement from his home studio, Kimmel said, "I'm taking this summer off to spend even more time with my family. There's nothing wrong. I'm healthy, my family's healthy, I just need a couple of months off."
The 52-year-old TV host added, "While I'm gone, a cavalcade of very kind and capable people will be filling in for me."
The guest-hosted episodes will begin after Independence Day weekend on July 6, The Hill reported. Kimmel is slated to host the Emmy Awards on ABC on Sept. 20.
What else?
In a parody video from Comedy Central's "The Man Show," Kimmel can be seen doing an exaggerated impersonation of black former Utah Jazz basketball star Karl Malone.
Kimmel was co-host of "The Man Show," which ran from 1999-2004.
During the video, Kimmel speaks with a defined speech impediment and acts in a manner that suggests he believes Malone is unintelligent.
Kimmel hasn't been the only one under such a microscope for performing in blackface: Earlier this month, a similar video of TV host Jimmy Fallon resurfaced in which he was performing as black comedian Chris Rock.
A spokesperson for Fallon pointed TheBlaze to a statement from Fallon on the video.
"There is no excuse for this," Fallon said in a statement. "I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable."
Author: Sarah Taylor