Country music artist Jelly Roll has pushed back against assumptions about his political leanings following his guest hosting stint on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," during which he made jokes about former President Donald Trump.
During his final night on the show, Jelly Roll, 41, became emotional as he stated his political views are "down the middle" and he does not align with either major party. "Sure, I lean left on some things, but like most folks, I'm pretty down the middle," he said. He identified himself as a Christian, a country music singer, a farmer, and a bow hunter.
Jelly Roll drew criticism after remarking on his first night as guest host that Trump could potentially lose weight and be able to "see [his] penis again." He noted the contrasting reactions, stating, "Before this week, everybody thought I was MAGA, and now they think I'm some sort of liberal snowflake." He recounted a Fox News segment where commentator Jesse Watters accused him of having "Trump Derangement Syndrome" and being a "phony" seeking a Hollywood paycheck.
Addressing the financial aspect, Jelly Roll stated he is wealthy and did not perform the hosting duties for money, humorously adding that host Jimmy Kimmel "is cheap as hell." He also referenced his attendance at a UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House, asserting that watching a fight on television does not equate to supporting an administration's policies, just as hosting Kimmel's show does not mean adopting Kimmel's political views.
Jelly Roll explained that the hosting gig was a platform to address personal matters and the way people have interpreted his beliefs over the past six months. He specifically mentioned a controversial backstage interview at the Grammy Awards in February, where he deferred comment on political topics.
He expressed regret not for asking for more time to speak, but for not finding the words to express himself sooner, fearing any statement would be misconstrued as political. "And ironically, by trying so hard not to make a political statement, I became one," he stated.
Jelly Roll emphasized that human dignity, compassion, and mercy transcend political divides. He also shared that his late father, Horace "Buddy" DeFord, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was a "blue Democrat." He asserted his willingness to shake hands with any sitting U.S. president out of respect for his father and military service members, stating that a handshake is not an endorsement, a conversation is not allegiance, and a joke is not a political statement.
He recounted meeting and shaking hands with Trump at a UFC event in November 2024, expressing pride in living in a country where he can both interact with political figures and make jokes about them, highlighting it as a tenet of American democracy and freedom of speech.
Jelly Roll's divorce from Bunnie Xo was finalized in May.
