Robert Downey J. commented for the first time on the joke of the presenter of the evening of the Oscar Jimmy Kimmel about his addiction history.

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 96th Academy Awards for the fourth time since 2017.

During his opening monologue, the American comedian, screenwriter and host made a joke referring to the story of Robert Downey J. regarding substance abuse.

“This is the highest [highest] point of Robert Downey Jr.’s long and illustrious career, well, one of the highest points” Kimmel said, referring to the fact that the actor is sober. The word “high” is used for the state in which a person is under the influence of drugs.

When the actor touched his nose in recognition, Kimmel asked: “Could it be drug traffic?” The actor then motioned for Kimmel to go ahead.

Robert Downey J. was asked about the joke in an interview with Esquire and replied: “I do not care. I love Jimmy Kimmel. I think he’s a national treasure.”

Downey Jr. won the Best Supporting Actor award at the ceremony for his role as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in this order”the actor said when he received the award.

Jimmy Kimmel’s joke drew criticism from fans, who argued the host shouldn’t be making fun of the actor’s battles with addiction.

From 1996 to 2001, the actor was arrested several times for drug-related offenses. In 1999, he served 12 months in prison after repeatedly failing court-ordered drug tests. He has been sober since July 2003.

Former Marvel Studios president David Maisel recently revealed that he had to fight to get Robert Downey Jr. accepted as ‘Iron Man’ because the board thought it was ‘crazy to put the company’s future in the hands of an addict’ .

The 2008 film grossed over $585 million at the worldwide box office. The actor has since reprized the role of ‘Iron Man’ in two sequels and four more Avengers films, Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Answering the question of whether he would ever return to the Cinematic Universe of Marvel in an interview with Esquire, Downey Jr. said: “With pleasure. It’s very much an integral part of my DNA. This role chose me. And look: ‘I always say, never, ever bet against Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. He’s a losing bet. He’s always going to win.'”