American Music Awards host Jimmy Kimmel has spoken out about Tuesday night's controversial skit mocking Britney Spears' estranged husband Kevin Federline.

American Music Awards host Jimmy Kimmel has spoken out about Tuesday night's controversial skit mocking Britney Spears' estranged husband Kevin Federline.

He insisted he thought the pair "wouldn't mind".

Kimmel poked fun at the would-be rapper, labelling him the first "no-hit wonder" and placed a Federline look-a-like in a large box, which was shown being dumped into the ocean.

Spears was introduced just moments later to present an award to Mary J Blige and put on a brave face, telling the crowd: "I'm so happy to be here."

A source told US magazine People: "Britney was blind-sided and upset. Some of Spears' associates were with her and they were p**sed.

"They asked that it not be shown on the West Coast feed, but their request was refused," the source said.

Kimmel issued a statement on Wednesday insisting he didn't know what the fuss was about: "I knew they wouldn't mind because I know they both have a great sense of humour." - Wenn