Jimmy Kimmel Calls Quinta Brunson 'Unbelievably Talented' After Acceptance Speech Backlash

Jimmy Kimmel has nothing but praise for Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson.

The late night host is catching flack for pretending to be passed out on stage during Brunson's big moment, but seemed unaware of the backlash when he told Entertainment Tonight how "lovely" Brunson was after the ceremony. 

"She is so unbelievably talented. And I saw her pilot before it came out on ABC, and I wrote to her, and I was like, 'I don't know how we got this, but congratulations," said Kimmel. "You made a pilot that any network would be ecstatic to get... She's a lovely person as well."

When asked about Kimmel's bit, Brunson wasn't as bothered as many others were, but admitted she might need some time to process it. "I know Jimmy Kimmel, and I don't know, I feel like the bit didn't bother me that much. I don't know what the internet thinks... Honestly, Jimmy gave me my first big late-night spot. He was one of the first people to see Abbott Elementary. He was the first person to message me on Instagram. He was so excited it was going to be on ABC," she recalled. 

"I was happy it was Jimmy. He’s one of the comedy godfathers. I'm a huge fan of Will Arnett, so I was wrapped up in the moment," Brunson said. "Tomorrow, maybe I’ll be mad at him." Brunson, who is set to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday, jested that she might "punch him" when she sees him. If she doesn't, there are more than a few Twitter users who seem happy to do the job for her.

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.