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The show’s co-hosts were discussing “nips,” a term used in Boston to refer to miniature liquor bottles. The same term is also a racial slur — short for Nippon — that was widely used during World War II to describe Japanese people.
Kimes, however, is of Korean descent.
The 39-year-old actor’s name came into the picture after Curtis apologized on air on Thursday, saying he meant to say Kunis’ name instead of Kimes’ in his “pathetic attempt at a one-liner,” adding that he has been suspended for his action.
Several Twitter users questioned Curtis’ explanation, specifically his intention of mentioning Kunis.
“I’m trying to phrase this in a minimally bonkworthy manner, but is there any particular reason for Mila Kunis to be the subject of this particular bad joke? I mean, in the sense that “Farrah Fawcett” might have been back in the day,” another user wrote.
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“This is such a lie by Curtis. Watch the video and his smirk after,” one user pointed out. “The comment makes zero sense if Mila Kunis is the target. It makes PERFECT (racist) sense if it’s Kimes. He should not have been allowed back on air and a week unpaid vacation is a joke.”
Some Twitter users speculated that Curtis was referring to Kunis’ body, using the phrase “nips” as shorthand for nipples.
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