In a moment of total chaos that shocked the worlds of golf and entertainment, Jimmy Kimmel launched a sudden and humiliating attack on Rory McIlroy duringJimmy Kimmel Live!on October 15, 2025 at 11:35 pm EDT (6:35 am ICT, October 16). Kimmel’s words: “The whole of Ireland should be ashamed for worshiping a useless golfer like him, isn’t his mother a factory worker…?” they unleashed boos and applause from the studio audience, creating pandemonium backstage. Fans believe Kimmel is trying to hide something related to the $25.5 million dal incidentThe Tonight Showafter the controversial “Lubid incident” which forced NBC to apologize. But soon after, McIlroy stunned everyone with a 12-word response that made Kimmel bow his head in silence, upending the narrative and leaving the world in shock.
The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black saw Rory McIlroy lead Team Europe to an epic 15.5-12.5 victory over Team USA, bringing glory to Ireland and cementing his legendary status. However, at the opening ofJimmy Kimmel Live!, the host attacked McIlroy with venomous words: “The whole of Ireland should be ashamed for worshiping a useless golfer like him, isn’t his mother a factory worker…?” The comment, which alluded to the humble origins of McIlroy’s mother Rosie, a receptionist, prompted a mixture of boos and applause from the 300-strong audience, creating chaos in the studio corridors. Kimmel, known for his sharp humor, added: “Rory wins trophies, but he’s just a privileged guy who plays golf for money.”
The clip exploded on X, accumulating 20 million views in hours and sparking #KimmelVsMcIlroy, with 12 million interactions. Irish fans furious: “Kimmel is an idiot. Rory is the pride of Ireland #BoycottKimmel.” Others accused Kimmel of hiding something related to the “Lubid incident,” a controversial sketch fromThe Tonight Showin which a comedian imitated an Irish accent in an offensive manner, forcing NBC to apologize and pay $25.5 million in an out-of-court defamation settlement. “Kimmel attacks Rory to divert attention from his #LubidScandal fiasco,” one user said.
Soon after, at 12:05 a.m. EDT on October 16, McIlroy responded on X with 12 words that left everyone breathless: “Respect my family or stay out of my world.” The simple but powerful response made Kimmel bow his head in silence during the next segment of his show, where he stammered a “maybe I went too far.” McIlroy’s tweet accumulated 5 million likes in minutes, turning the attack into a boomerang for Kimmel.
Fans cheered: “McIlroy destroyed Kimmel with class #RoryLegend.” The golf world united: Rory’s teammate Jon Rahm tuiteou: “Rory is a king, Kimmel is just a clown #TeamEurope.” Even Irish celebrities like One Direction’s Niall Horan: “Pride for Rory. Family is sacred #IrishPride.”
Behind the scenes ofJimmy Kimmel Live!, chaos reigned. Producers rushed to contain the damage, with the audience divided between boos and applause. Kimmel, according to sources ofVariety, was “surprised by the intensity,” and ABC executives considered it a retraction. The Lubid incident, which involved a comedian imitating an Irish accent in an offensive manner in 2024, had already cost NBC $25.5 million in a settlement, and fans theorize that Kimmel is diverting attention.
McIlroy, 36, used the response to emphasize his humility: “Golf is my world, family is my heart.” His victory at the Ryder Cup, which brought glory to Ireland, makes Kimmel’s attack even more cruel.
The golf world and beyond reacted with outrage. The PGA Tour issued a statement: “We respect Rory and condemn insults to his family.” Irish fans launched boycotts of Kimmel, with #BoycottKimmel trending. Kimmel, in the next show, attempted a half-hearted apology: “I didn’t mean to offend Rory’s family.” But the reactions continued: “Too late, Jimmy. Rory beat you #McIlroyWins.”
The saga has sparked debates about humor and respect, withThe Irish Timescommenting: “Kimmel crossed the line with Irish pride.” McIlroy, preparing for the DP World Tour Championship, has seen his apoio grow, with merchandising sales up 20%.
Jimmy Kimmel’s attack on Rory McIlroy—”All of Ireland should be ashamed…”—caused chaos, but McIlroy’s 12-word response turned it all on its head, silencing Kimmel in silence. With X in flames and the golf world divided, this saga promises to continue. Stay tuned for updates as the battle between humor and respect heats up.
