CAPAC Chair and Chair Emeritus Denounce Kids Table Segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Washington — Today, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Judy Chu (CA-27) and Chair Emeritus Mike Honda (CA-17) released the following statements condemning the Kids Table segment aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live:

Representative Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair: “I understand the jovial nature of a comedy show, but jokes about killing over 1 billion Chinese people are no laughing matter. This type of xenophobic rhetoric can cause dangerous ramifications for the Asian American community. Although the show’s producers could not have predicted how the children would respond, Jimmy Kimmel and the ABC Network should not have allowed the segment to air. Comments referring to genocide should not be repeated, laughed at, or tolerated. I am disappointed Mr. Kimmel and ABC chose to air a segment that clearly crossed a line and the Asian American community deserves an apology.”

Representative Mike Honda (CA-17), Chair Emeritus: “The ABC network recently allowed comedian Jimmy Kimmel to air a skit in which a group of children suggested that "we kill everyone in China" to avoid paying back the national debt.  Some things are funny, but racial hatred is not one of them. These statements, left unchecked, promote intolerance, and I am concerned that the producers of Mr. Kimmel's program allowed this to air. Children may not know better, but producers and ABC's management should.

“An apology must be issued, and I sincerely hope the network uses better judgment in the future. As a Japanese-American who was put in an internment camp during World War II, I have firsthand experience of this country's discriminatory intolerance, prejudice, and hysteria.  Having worked hard in Congress to promote diversity and acceptance, I believe Mr. Kimmel's program is an affront not only to the Chinese, but to all who promote human dignity.”

Background:

On October 17, 2013, comedian Jimmy Kimmel ran a segment on his show called “Kids Table,” where he spoke with four children about various political issues. When asked about the debt owed to China, one of the children suggested that the United States “kill everyone in China.” The audience laughed and Mr. Kimmel acknowledged the comment with “That’s an interesting idea.” He repeated the suggestion one more time before concluding the segment.

CAPAC will send a letter to ABC regarding this issue. 

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.