After making a one-line joke about Jeremy Renner’s snowcat accident, former talk show host Jay Leno received backlash online.
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The host took to his Twitter to joke about the incident, saying “I was riding my motorcycle up in Lake Tahoe and I came around the corner and bam, I crashed into Jeremy Renner’s snowplow.”
I was riding my motorcycle up in Lake Tahoe and I came around the corner and bam, I crashed into Jeremy Renner’s snowplow.
— Jay Leno (@jayleno) January 27, 2023
The joke is made in reference to Leno’s motorbike accident on January 17, 2023, which resulted in two damaged kneecaps, two broken ribs, and a broken collarbone.
Leno told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he “got knocked off” his bike on January 17: “I’ve got a broken collarbone. I’ve got two broken ribs. I’ve got two cracked kneecaps. But I’m okay! I’m okay, I’m working. I’m working this weekend.”
Because of this, internet users did not take Jay Leno’s joke lightly and criticized him on Twitter.
Not funny. Renner broke 30 bones in the process of saving his nephew’s life. Respect to the guy. Pure guts.
— John Dawson (@JRDAWSONTV) January 28, 2023
Seriously not funny. Jeremy was really badly hurt. I would've thought you would have more sympathy after your terrible ordeal. Shame on you
— Belinda Perlee (@PerleePerlee) January 28, 2023
For everyone getting upset with Jay, a couple of thoughts. First Jay was in a real accident, speedy recovery Sir. 2d if we don’t bring some levity to life then life becomes just an angry journey. 3d, anyone ask Jeremy his thoughts on the joke? I’m sure he would smile at Jay Leno
— Jimmy Hensley (@JimmyHens) January 28, 2023
Some, however, did wish him a speedy recovery.
Hope you feel better soon. 🙏
— Clint Cardoza (@clintcardoza7) January 27, 2023
Speedy recovery @jayleno!
— You Bet Your Life (@youbetyourlife) January 27, 2023
Twitter users were incensed after Jay Leno tweeted about his own motorbike accident involving Jeremy Renner. Users criticized the comedian for using Renner in his one-liner despite the fact that Renner was seriously hurt by a snowplow while attempting to save his nephew. Others criticized him for not being amusing, and one even questioned his age for making such an absurd joke.
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Leno has previously cracked jokes referencing his personal health. The Emmy Award winner made a joke about his injury two weeks after sustaining second-degree burns in a garage fire at his Los Angeles home in November 2022.
On November 28, 2022, he said “I never thought of myself as a roast comic. We have two shows tonight — regular and extra crispy,” he told California’s Comedy and Magic Club.
On New Year’s Day, Renner was seriously hurt in a snow plow accident, breaking “30 plus bones.”
According to the Nevada Sheriff’s Office, Renner left his car for a quick minute to fetch his nephew’s truck from the snow but forgot to pull the lever down, which led to the accident.
The report read: “When Renner attempted to stop or divert the Pistenbully to avoid injury to (his nephew), he was pulled under the vehicle by the track and run over. Mechanical issues may have been a factor in this accident.”
His nephew remained beside him until assistance arrived and he was transported to the hospital. He spent two weeks in the hospital thereafter and underwent numerous surgeries while receiving treatment in the critical care unit.
