U.S. President Donald Trump demanded the immediate termination of Jimmy Kimmel by ABC and its parent company, Walt Disney. Melania Trump also criticized the late-night talk show host for a monologue he delivered before a shooting incident near a gathering of journalists and politicians over the weekend.
Kimmel had made a controversial statement in a segment last Thursday that mocked the upcoming White House correspondents’ dinner by referring to Melania Trump as having a “glow like an expectant widow.” Two days later, Trump and his wife had to leave the dinner abruptly due to a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton lobby where the event was being held.
The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, breached a checkpoint and opened fire at Secret Service agents, injuring one before being apprehended. Following the incident, Trump and Melania expressed their disapproval of Kimmel’s joke, prompting Kimmel to clarify during his show that it was meant as a light-hearted commentary on the couple’s age difference and not a call for violence.
Melania Trump condemned Kimmel’s remarks as “corrosive” and called on ABC to take action against his behavior. Trump echoed her sentiments, labeling Kimmel’s joke as unacceptable and calling for his immediate dismissal by Disney and ABC.
Despite the criticism, Kimmel defended his joke, stating that it was unlikely to have influenced the events that unfolded. The Justice Department revealed that the suspect had made a reservation at the Washington Hilton prior to the incident, traveling from California days before Kimmel’s parody.
In response to the controversy, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated early reviews of Disney’s licenses, including eight ABC stations, which were not due for renewal until 2028. The FCC cited an ongoing investigation into Disney’s compliance with diversity practices as the reason for the early reviews.
Disney affirmed its commitment to adhering to FCC regulations and serving local communities with accurate news and information. The company vowed to address the FCC’s concerns through legal channels. However, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz criticized the FCC’s actions, arguing against government interference in free speech.
Amid mounting pressure to fire Kimmel, Disney’s CEO Josh D’Amaro faced a challenging decision. The FCC’s Democratic commissioner, Anna Gomez, denounced the FCC’s actions as a political stunt and emphasized the importance of upholding the First Amendment.
The article also highlighted previous instances where Trump had called for the removal of programs critical of him and the subsequent response from broadcasters. Despite the controversies, Kimmel’s show returned to air following discussions with Disney, drawing support from various celebrities and criticism from political figures.
Kimmel’s return episode garnered significant viewership, with his opening monologue setting a new viewership record on YouTube. Trump hinted at potential legal action against ABC, but Kimmel and the network eventually agreed to a contract extension through 2027 after weeks of speculation and controversy.
