The saga of George Santos, once a rising political figure turned convicted fraudster, added another chapter this week—this time starring late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
A federal appeals court in Manhattan tossed out Santos’ claims that Kimmel duped him into recording personalized Cameo videos and then used them for comedic takedowns on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. In a unanimous 3-0 decision, the judges ruled Kimmel’s use of the clips was classic “fair use,” pointing to his sharp-edged commentary on Santos’ willingness to say just about anything for cash.
“The complaint paints a portrait of defendants motivated by sarcasm and commentary,” Judge Raymond Lohier wrote, underscoring that Kimmel’s goal wasn’t to steal profits but to lampoon a public figure already awash in controversy.
The skits in question ran under the title “Will Santos Say It?”—a segment fueled by the fact that Santos, at $350 a pop, had made more than $350,000 from Cameo before his legal troubles consumed him.
Santos’ lawsuit, alleging copyright infringement and fraud, had already been dismissed by a trial judge last year—the very same day Santos admitted to wire fraud and identity theft tied to his 2022 campaign fundraising. He’s now serving a 7¼-year sentence in a medium-security New Jersey prison, with a release date projected for 2031.
Santos’ brief stint in Congress—11 scandal-filled months ending in expulsion—was defined by revelations that much of his biography was fabricated. Now, even his legal attempts to reclaim dignity through courtroom battles appear to be slipping away.
The case, Santos v. Kimmel et al, is now officially closed at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
