'It is anti-Irish racism' - Fans defend Cillian Murphy as Jimmy Kimmel pokes fun at his name during Oscars

Jimmy Kimmel has been dragged on social media after poking fun at Cillian Murphy's name at the Oscars. 

The US chat show host was welcomed back to the awards as a host and he took a pop at Murphy as well as his co-star Robert Downey Jr.

Kimmel said: ‘Cillian Murphy is just wonderful. Interesting fact about his name, it’s pronounced ‘Cillian’ when he does drama. When he does comedy, it’s ‘Silly-an.'

The star did not seem too impressed as he moved onto Downey Jr. saying "Robert Downey Jr, this is one of the highest points of his career’ in an obvious reference to his addiction issues. Was that too on the nose? But look at him, he’s so handsome, so talented, he’s won every awards there is to win."

The actor was seen motoning to the camera for Kimmel to "wrap it up."

Taking to X to defend Murphy, one user said: "Purposely mispronouncing Cillian Murphy’s name is anti-Irish racism and it needs to stop."

Another user said: "Kimmel sucked. Joked like your second favorite uncle on Thanksgiving."