Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel defended a recent joke that drew sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump following a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

The controversy centers on a skit aired days before the incident on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in which Kimmel made a remark about the first lady during a satirical segment about the annual event. After the shooting, the joke came under renewed scrutiny.

Addressing the backlash on his show Monday, Kimmel said the comment was intended as humor, not incitement. “It was not a call to violence by any definition,” he said, adding that he has consistently spoken out against gun violence.

Kimmel also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident, describing it as “traumatic and scary,” despite no fatalities.

Earlier, Trump condemned the comedian on social media, calling the joke “beyond the pale” and urging networks to take action. The first lady echoed that criticism, accusing Kimmel of spreading harmful rhetoric and calling on broadcasters to respond.

The suspect in the shooting, Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempted assassination and related firearms offenses. Authorities have not linked the attack to Kimmel’s remarks.

The exchange underscores escalating tensions between political figures and media personalities amid heightened concerns over public safety and rhetoric.