US chat show host Jimmy Kimmel has hit back at critics a week after making an emotional speech about his baby son Billy's heart disease. According to the dad-of-four, he received criticism for speaking about the need to improve healthcare for children in the US. In his follow-up speech, he sarcastically apologised to the children of America for suggesting that they should be given the best care possible regardless of insurance, joking: "It was insensitive. It was offensive, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
READ: Jimmy Kimmel shares rare family picture after revealing newborn son Billy's heart condition
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he said: "One week ago tonight, I made an emotional speech that was seen by millions, and as a result of my powerful words on that night, Republicans in Congress had second thoughts about repeal and replace, they realised that what is right is right, and I saved health insurance in the United States of America! Oh, I didn't? I didn't save it? They voted against it anyway? I really need to pay more attention to the news."
© Photo: InstagramJimmy shared a photo of baby Billy with his daughter Jane and his wife, Molly
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He continued: "I can't even count the number of times I've been called an out-of-touch Hollywood elitist creep this week which, I have to say, I kind of appreciate because when I was a kid, we had to drink powdered milk because we couldn't afford the liquid... My dream was to become an out-of-touch Hollywood elitist, and I guess it came true." Jimmy also gave fans an update on his baby son, who had open heart surgery at just three days old. He said: "I want to tell you because so many people have asked, our son Billy is doing very well. He's eating, He is getting bigger. He's sleeping well. He can read now, which they say is unusual."
