Jim Gaffigan Jokes About Trump’s ‘Access Hollywood’ Tape in Front of Former First Lady Melania Trump

Comedian Jim Gaffigan brought up the infamous Access Hollywood tape during a charity event, making a bold joke with Donald and Melania Trump seated just feet away.

At a glance:

  • Comedian Jim Gaffigan referenced Donald Trump’s controversial Access Hollywood tape during the Al Smith Dinner, a high-profile charity event in New York City.
  • The joke was made in front of both the former president and former first lady Melania Trump, who had contrasting reactions—Donald Trump smiled, while Melania appeared stone-faced.
  • The event, known for its light-hearted “roasts” of political figures, sparked mixed reactions from the audience, with a combination of laughter, groans, and silence.

During the annual Al Smith Dinner on Thursday night, comedian Jim Gaffigan brought up former President Donald Trump’s notorious Access Hollywood tape in a joke that took many in the room by surprise. The event, which raises money for Catholic charities, traditionally features comedic roasts of presidential candidates. This year, with Donald and Melania Trump in attendance, Gaffigan used the 2005 tape as punchline material.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9ZGfyXruqs

Referring to a previous debate where Trump had falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants were abducting and eating pet cats, Gaffigan made a playful connection to the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump boasted about grabbing women. “If you’re keeping track at home, this is the second time grabbing a kitty has been part of a campaign issue,” Gaffigan joked, with the former president grinning, while the former first lady remained expressionless.

Mary Callahan Erdoes, vice chair of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation, was heard cautioning Gaffigan about including the joke. “We talked about leaving that out,” she said. Gaffigan responded, “I was gonna leave that out,” acknowledging the edginess of his quip.

The audience reaction was mixed, with some laughing while others responded with groans and stunned silence. The moment highlighted the delicate balance of humor at political events, especially when controversial topics are involved.

The Access Hollywood tape, which resurfaced weeks before the 2016 presidential election, caused a major controversy at the time. However, Thursday’s dinner followed the tradition of political roasting, much like when Trump and Hillary Clinton exchanged jabs at the same event in 2016.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who was expected to attend, sent a recorded video message instead, focusing on her campaign efforts in Wisconsin. Despite some uncomfortable moments, the Al Smith Dinner once again provided a platform for political figures and comedians to blend charity with humor.