Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has never been one to shy away from controversy, but his latest jab at billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk may have backfired in a way he never expected. During a fiery segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the comedian took aim at Musk once again, mocking his leadership of X (formerly Twitter) and making a few personal digs along the way. However, Musk’s three-word response was so brutal that it reportedly left Kimmel speechless—and even sparked rumors that the late-night host is planning to leave the U.S. altogether.
The drama unfolded when Kimmel, known for his outspoken political views, ridiculed Musk over his handling of free speech on X. He accused the billionaire of allowing “too many trolls and extremists” to run rampant on the platform. As he ramped up his attack, Kimmel made a snide remark, saying, “Elon Musk is just an overpaid tech bro with a God complex.”
It didn’t take long for Musk to fire back. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO took to X and delivered a three-word response that sent shockwaves across social media: “Then leave, Jimmy.”
The bluntness of Musk’s clapback stunned both fans and critics alike. Within minutes, #ThenLeaveJimmy began trending, with thousands of users piling on to the debate. Some Musk supporters mocked Kimmel, saying he should take his own advice after years of threatening to leave the U.S. over political disagreements. Others, however, defended the comedian, arguing that Musk was once again dismissing valid criticism with his usual arrogance.
Insiders close to Kimmel claim that the unexpected backlash hit him harder than he anticipated. Rumors quickly spread that the talk show host was seriously considering a temporary move out of the country, citing growing frustration with the current state of discourse in America. While no official statement has been made, some reports suggest he may take an extended break from television to escape the relentless online attacks.
This isn’t the first time Musk and Kimmel have clashed. The two have had a long history of trading insults, with Kimmel frequently taking jabs at the billionaire’s unpredictable behavior and Musk never hesitating to fire back. However, this latest exchange may be the most intense yet, as Musk’s savage response has left many wondering whether Kimmel will finally follow through on his threats to relocate.
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As the internet continues to buzz with speculation, one thing is certain—Elon Musk’s ability to dominate the conversation remains unmatched. Whether Kimmel truly leaves or not, the billionaire has once again proven that when it comes to social media battles, he plays to win.
