Jimmy Kimmel shrugs off conservative critics: They just want jobs at Fox News

Comedian and late night host Jimmy Kimmel told the New York Times that he doesn't really care what his critics think of him for speaking out on issues like healthcare and gun control.

According to Mediaite.com, Kimmel told journalist David Itzkoff that the people attacking him are mostly trying to curry favor with the talent bookers at Fox News.

Itzkoff asked if Kimmel thinks his critics are trying to control what he's allowed to say or not say.

"I think some of them are," Kimmel replied. "I think some of them are just trying to get Fox News to hire them as on-air commentators. It’s sad. You see people try to engage me in battle that are just trying to give their careers a boost. I won’t be a part of that."

Regarding his highly publicized responses to President Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., Kimmel said he thinks that it's Trump Jr.'s way to try to "position himself as a person of importance."

"If you go through his Twitter feed, it’s one desperate cry for attention after another. For whatever reason, I decided to give some to him," he said.

Kimmel has become something of a lightning rod thanks to his outspoken opposition to cuts in the Affordable Care Act and a recent call for gun control after 59 people were slaughtered by a single gunman in Las Vegas and hundreds injured.