Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is receiving an onslaught of criticism after he brought four blind people to a shooting range for a skit on his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, on Friday — to "find out, you know, what would happen."
Iowa is issuing gun permits to the blind, under a state law that makes it illegal to deny permits based on physical disability. So in an attempt to "settle" the controversy over the law, Kimmel orchestrated the stunt.
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As seen in the above video, Kimmel meets the blind participants and a service dog named Val at the range. Before they begin, an instructor gives the group a safety lesson, which includes a discussion about wearing safety goggles and ear protection.
"We don't want anybody to be deaf, too," Kimmel quips.
Once on the course, the participants shoot at paper targets and inflatable pool toys, while Kimmel serves as the "assistant range safety officer."
"You nailed it," Kimmel tells one shooter who missed the target several times. "All five. Right through the heart."
The video has garnered more than 600 comments on YouTube, with some users calling the clip offensive and insensitive.
"Jimmy is a total jerk who will do anything for ratings, including belittling and patronizing the disabled. He is low and disgusting!" YouTube user mgproj77 wrote.
"This is a poor attempt at humor; this is offensive," John McClendon commented.
Other YouTube users sided with the comedian and thought the segment was all in good fun.
"I played this for my blind dad and he thought it was hilarious. It's all about perspective, people. If you can't laugh at yourself and make the best of your situation then there is no point in living. Keep on keepin' on, Kimmel!" user Anneke Leigh wrote.
Viewers on both sides of the debate took to Twitter to share their opinions, too.
Holy hell jimmy Kimmel was offensive tonight with that blind skit.
— JLB (@jlabrk) October 11, 2013
Apparently @jimmykimmel thinks it's OK to mock disabled people. What a LAME-O. http://t.co/WTDNMFAuU0
— Fishwrapper (@fishwrapped) October 14, 2013
Holy lord that Jimmy Kimmel bit with the blind people shooting guns was hilarious
— YeaYouRite (@YeaYouRite) October 11, 2013
#kimmel and the Blind folks at the shooting range is going to result in my death by laughter
— NayNayLaPearl (@MissNayFATAL) October 11, 2013
Jimmy Kimmel Live's team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kimmel's other recent pranks include asking Americans to specify the difference between Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act and staging the the worst twerk fail ever.
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Image: YouTube