The entertainment world was left in shock on February 5 as Jimmy Kimmel bid farewell to late-night television after years of hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! His departure marked the end of an era, but it wasn’t just the fans and celebrity guests who had something to say about his exit.
One particular message stood out from the rest, capturing the attention of millions: a striking, 12-word statement directed at none other than tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Kimmel has never shied away from controversy, often using his platform to take jabs at public figures, including Musk. Their on-again, off-again feud has played out in public over the years, fueled by sarcastic exchanges, social media spats, and pointed remarks on Kimmel’s show.
But no one expected the comedian to leave the stage with a direct message to Musk—one that was as cryptic as it was bold.
The moment came at the very end of Kimmel’s final episode. After a heartfelt monologue thanking his fans, crew, and family, he turned to the camera with a smirk, pausing dramatically before delivering his parting words. The audience fell silent, sensing something big was coming.
Then, in his trademark deadpan style, he uttered twelve words that immediately set social media ablaze: “Elon, you can finally relax—no more jokes at your expense. Yet.”
The delivery was calculated, the tone ambiguous. Was it a genuine farewell to their ongoing clashes, or a subtle hint that Kimmel wasn’t done with Musk just yet? The internet had no shortage of theories.
Within minutes, the clip spread like wildfire across platforms, igniting debates among fans, critics, and analysts alike. Some took it as a lighthearted acknowledgment of their past conflicts, while others speculated it was a veiled warning.
Musk himself did not take long to respond. Just hours after Kimmel’s remark, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO fired back on X (formerly Twitter) with a simple yet loaded reply: “We’ll see.” The cryptic nature of his response only fueled speculation further, with users dissecting every possible meaning behind the words.
Did Musk believe Kimmel would find a new way to keep their feud alive, or was he hinting at something bigger in the works?
Their history suggests that neither man is willing to back down easily. Kimmel has consistently poked fun at Musk’s ventures, from Tesla’s ambitious yet controversial projects to SpaceX’s high-profile rocket failures.
Musk, in turn, has never hesitated to clap back, often using social media to counter Kimmel’s remarks with his signature mix of sarcasm and defiance. This dynamic has turned their exchanges into must-watch entertainment for their respective audiences.
What makes this final exchange so intriguing is its potential implications. With Kimmel stepping away from his nightly hosting duties, some believe he may be gearing up for new ventures—ones that could still put him in a position to target Musk.
Whether through a podcast, social media presence, or occasional guest appearances on other shows, the comedian could easily find ways to keep their rivalry alive.
On the other hand, there is also the possibility that Kimmel’s remark was meant as a sincere goodbye. Perhaps he truly is moving on, leaving behind the late-night stage and, with it, his long-standing battle with Musk.
If that’s the case, then his final words may have been his way of burying the hatchet—albeit with a cheeky twist.
For fans, the uncertainty only adds to the drama. Some are hopeful that this marks the end of a drawn-out and sometimes exhausting back-and-forth, while others eagerly anticipate what could be the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
Social media remains divided, with debates raging over whether Kimmel’s statement should be taken at face value or read between the lines.
Regardless of interpretation, one thing is clear: Kimmel knew exactly what he was doing. His 12-word message was deliberate, leaving just enough ambiguity to keep people talking long after the cameras stopped rolling.
It was a classic move from a comedian who has built his career on sharp wit and perfectly timed remarks.
Musk’s reaction further cements the fact that he, too, is invested in this dynamic. While he often dismisses critics with a shrug, his quick response to Kimmel suggests that he took notice—and perhaps even saw it as an opportunity to extend the rivalry in a new way.
The billionaire has long used social media as a battleground, engaging in playful (and sometimes heated) exchanges with his detractors.
Meanwhile, the entertainment industry is left wondering what comes next for Kimmel. With his show now in the past, speculation about his next move is at an all-time high.
Some believe he will take a break from the spotlight, while others are convinced he has a new project in the works—one that could involve a different medium or even a fresh approach to comedy.
If Kimmel does choose to continue engaging with Musk in some capacity, it wouldn’t be surprising. Their feud has captivated audiences precisely because it brings together two highly influential yet vastly different figures.
Kimmel, a comedian known for his sharp-tongued critiques of the rich and powerful, and Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur who thrives on pushing boundaries and courting controversy, make for an unlikely but fascinating pair.
For now, the mystery remains unsolved. Kimmel has not elaborated on his final words, and Musk has not followed up beyond his initial response.
Whether this is truly the last chapter in their public sparring or merely a pause before the next round remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Kimmel’s farewell was anything but ordinary, and his parting shot ensures that his legacy in late-night television will not be forgotten anytime soon.
As fans and media analysts continue to dissect those 12 words, one question lingers: Was it a joke, a challenge, or something else entirely?
The answer may not come immediately, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that neither Kimmel nor Musk is ever truly finished with the conversation.