Jimmy Kimmel has been branded a 'national disgrace' after hosting Oscars

Many have been left unimpressed by Jimmy Kimmel, with some even labelling him as a 'national disgrace' after hosting the Oscars.

The TV host was chosen to host the 95th edition of the Academy Awards, a year after Chris Rock's infamous appearance last year.

However, Kimmel's appearance might also be labelled as infamous in years to come, with Malala Yousafzai being called a 'hero' for hitting back at Kimmel for a joke he made about Harry Styles.

The female activist was at the Oscars as an executive producer for film Stranger at the Gate, which was nominated in the Best Documentary Short Film category.

As if often the case with award shows like this, Kimmel weaved into the audience during a break in the show for a few comedic segments.

During this, he approached Yousafzai and thanked her for attending and also congratulated her on the film.

ABC

But things quickly became awkward between the pair, as Kimmel pretended to ask a question from viewer at home called 'Joanne'.

Kimmel asked: "Your work on human rights and education for women and children is an inspiration.

"As the youngest Nobel prize winner in history, I was wondering, do you think Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine?"

The joke was met with a bit of laughter from the crowd, though they were certainly awkward ones, which left Yousafzai looking visibly uncomfortable.

She replied: "I only talk about peace."

To which Kimmel added: "You know what, that's why you're Malala and nobody else is. That's a great answer, Malala. The winner is malala-land, everybody."

The joke was a reference to Harry Styles sending social media into a frenzy last year as he appeared to spit at actor Chris Pine at the Don't Worry Darling film premiere.

ABC

The activist then took to social media later on quote tweeting the clip from the Oscars, adding: "Treat people with kindness."

Many fans took to social media following the awkward segment, with one person on Twitter saying: "Jimmy Kimmel is a national disgrace. This woman deserves better."

A second added: "Not a good question, but beautifully answered by Malala."

And a third remarked: "Comedians getting embarrassed at the Oscars is starting to become a trend."

Meanwhile, a fourth added: "Utterly disrespectful and patronising behaviour towards her and her work. It was the same cringe feeling and reaction from the Smith Slap."

Kimmel also shocked audiences with a joke about actor Robert Blake, who recently passed away on March 9.

He said: "Everyone please get out their phones, even at home, it's time to vote. If you think Robert Blake should be part of the In Memoriam montage, text Imea Blake to the number on the number on your screen."

Many thought that the joke was in 'poor taste' and 'uncalled for'.

UNILAD has contacted Jimmy Kimmel's representatives for comment.