Mentalist Oz Pearlman backs out of Jimmy Kimmel Live as host prepares first episode since Melania backlash

Mentalist Oz Pearlman has pulled out of his scheduled appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in the first episode following intense backlash to the host’s jokes at Melania Trump’s expense.

Kimmel cracked in an episode last week that the First Lady looked ‘like an expectant widow’ in comments that have aged poorly in the wake of the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner both she and Donald Trump attended.

Both Donald and Melania have called for ABC to fire the comedian, though Kimmel appears set to go on with the show tonight.  

Pearlman apparently backed out of his appearance alongside comedian Anthony Anderson on Monday night’s show, CNN reported.

In a likely nod to the political controversy Kimmel has caught himself in yet again, Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett will replace Pearlman as the host’s second guest. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to spokespersons for both Jimmy Kimmel Live and Pearlman for comment. 

The remark about the President’s wife was part of a routine on Thursday’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ where the host pretended to deliver a comedy routine at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. 

That event two nights later was cut short when a man armed with guns and knives tried to enter the Washington ballroom where the Trumps and much of the nation’s political leadership had gathered.

This is a developing story.