MONEY GRAB IS JIMMY’S JAM!
Flexing mu$cles after Oscars stint
COCKY Jimmy Kimmel is sitting on a threeyear contract — but that hasn’t stopped the talk show heavyweight from pushing for a big fat raise, tipsters dish.
According to a mole, Kimmel feels justified in his money grab because James Corden and Trevor Noah are saying so long to their shows — and Ellen DeGeneres ditched the daytime scene — leaving no new challengers for his latenight crown!
“The other big thing in Jimmy’s favor is how popular he is with A-listers. It’s common knowledge he’s part of that Hollywood Hills mafia — and even Scientologists love him because he always offers a safe line of questioning,” spills the insider.
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host, 55, also helmed this year’s Oscars — and sources squeal he’s laughing off critics who say his jokes bombed!
Almost 19 million tuned in to the awards show — a 13 percent rise from 2022 — and the insider blabs the blowhard is boasting that’s proof people love him and he’s the “heartbeat” of ABC!
Kimmel drew the ire of some viewers for teasing Malala Yousafzai, 25, who was nominated for the documentary Stranger at the Gate. Referencing an internet rumor, he asked the education activist if Harry Styles spit on Don’t Worry Darling co-star Chris Pine in Venice. Looking visibly uncomfortable, Malala responded, “I only talk about peace.”
And Kimmel’s Cocaine Bear skit saw an ursine actor also pester the young Nobel Prize winner.
“Jimmy isn’t worried about ruffling some feathers,” snitches the spy. “He’s got PR people on the payroll to make things like this go away.”