Jimmy Kimmel calls Ted Cruz ‘Cancun Karen’ over Montana airport row

Jimmy Kimmel, the talk show host, has again taken a swipe at Texas Senator Ted Cruz after video emerged of him reportedly having a row with an official in a Montana airport. 

Initially, the clip appeared on Reddit, where a man resembling Cruz was seen arguing with an airline employee at Bozeman until authorities had to be called. The Wrap reported local authorities letting it go as a minor situation. 

Also Read | Senator Ted Cruz apologises for describing January 6 attack as terrorism

Cruz appears to have missed his flight and was upset at the employee over limited booking options. However, he was able to make it out later in the day. 

Scott Humphrey, a deputy director of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport told the Daily Mail, “One of our Public Safety Officers (PSO) was in the ticket lobby and was asked to assist with a frustrated passenger at the United ticket counter (which is not unusual)”, and added, “The passenger had missed the check-in window for his flight and re-booking options were limited out of Bozeman due to spring break”. 

He concluded, “Once travel options were explained to the passenger, he was rebooked and departed Bozeman later that evening. Our PSO didn’t realize he was dealing with Senator Cruz until after the fact”. 

Also Read | Saturday Night Live parodies Ted Cruz vs Big Bird COVID vaccine feud

Kimmel recounted the events in a monologue and then went on to offer his audience enhanced audio of the clip, calling Cruz ‘Cancun Karen’. This obviously is where Kimmel’s humour kicks in and the segment uses fake subtitles to make fun of Cruz. 

The talk show host then says “It’s especially funny because just two weeks ago, Ted was bragging about how much employees at the airport love him”. Notably, Cruz had said a few weeks back that he gets hugged at airports by anti-vaxxers who work for airline companies. 

Cruz is best known due to the controversial vacation he took in Mexico in early 2021 when his constituency was facing a terrible winter storm that knocked out power for many. Not only did Cruz lie about it repeatedly, but also tried to blame his children for the entire trip.