Jelly Roll has addressed the backlash over his recent jokes about Donald Trump during his guest-hosting appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. On Monday night, the country star encouraged Trump to take advice from his own 300-pound weight loss journey, joking, “You’ll be happy to see your penis again.”
The comments raised eyebrows, especially given Jelly Roll’s past appearances at UFC, Rock the Country, and other MAGA-adjacent events, as as well as his public photos with figures including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy.
However, on Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jelly Roll not only stood by his remarks, but defended his right to say them.
“Who would have guessed I’d get in more trouble with the president than Rosie O’Donnell? Jelly Roll said, referencing the week’s previous guest host and chief Trump antagonist.
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“Some folks online were upset that I didn’t treat the president with reverence and dignity, but I want to remind y’all that I go by the name Jelly Roll. I don’t even treat myself with reverence and dignity! One day I looked in the mirror and said, ‘You, my friend, are a pastry,’” he continued.
“Frankly, I think most people were just surprised that I had any opinions at all. They see a guy that looks like me and assume the only opinion I have is whether I prefer my meth crystal or classic.”
“Now, let’s be honest for a second: any U.S. president should be able to handle a few jokes, right?” Jelly Roll said. “They should also be able to handle gas prices, healthcare, and the occasional international conflict… but that can’t be true.”
“Look, y’all, I get it that some people are mad at me for goofing on Trump, but if you wanted me to make jokes about Kamala Harris, you should have voted for her!” he concluded.