Washington, April 28 -- Actor and filmmaker George Clooney has come out in support of comedian and television host Jimmy Kimmel following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over a controversial joke on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, according to Variety.

Trump had earlier called Kimmel's remark about Melania Trump, describing her as having the glow of an "expectant widow", a "despicable call to violence," and urged ABC to fire the late-night host.

Reacting to the controversy, Clooney defended Kimmel while speaking at the Chaplin Award Gala, where he was honoured for his contributions to cinema.

"Jimmy's a comedian, and I would argue that Karoline Leavitt didn't mean shots should be fired," Clooney said at the 51st Chaplin Award Gala, wher...