President Donald Trump called for the immediate firing of Jimmy Kimmel by ABC and its parent company Walt Disney. Trump and his wife Melania criticized Kimmel for a monologue he delivered before a shooting incident near a gathering of journalists and politicians over the weekend.
In the segment that parodied the upcoming White House correspondents’ dinner, Kimmel made a comment about Melania Trump resembling an “expectant widow.” Two days later, a shooting occurred in the lobby of the Washington Hilton where the event was being held.
A suspect identified as Cole Allen fired at Secret Service agents before being subdued and arrested. Trump and Melania expressed their disapproval of Kimmel’s joke, with Melania calling it “corrosive” and Trump demanding Kimmel’s immediate termination.
Kimmel defended his monologue, stating that the joke was not intended to incite violence. The suspect had made a reservation at the Washington Hilton before the incident, leaving California days before Kimmel’s parody.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered early reviews of Disney’s licenses, citing an investigation into diversity practices. Disney responded, emphasizing its compliance with FCC rules and commitment to serving local communities.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz criticized the FCC’s actions against Disney, stating that it is not the government’s role to censor speech. The controversy surrounding Kimmel led to his suspension, but ABC later reinstated his show following discussions with Disney.
Kimmel’s return episode attracted millions of viewers, with his opening monologue breaking viewership records on YouTube. Trump hinted at suing ABC over Kimmel’s reinstatement, referencing a previous settlement with the studio.
ABC and Kimmel agreed to a one-year contract extension after weeks of controversy. The situation has sparked debates on freedom of speech and government interference in media outlets.