Donald Trump demands ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel after widow joke sparks backlash and free speech debate.
- +Trump Demands ABC Fire Jimmy Kimmel Over ‘Expectant Widow’ Joke About Melania
Donald Trump has called for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after a joke involving First Lady Melania Trump triggered political backlash.
Donald Trump has called for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after a joke involving First Lady Melania Trump triggered political backlash.
The call followed Kimmel’s remark during a White House Correspondents’ Dinner skit in which he referred to Melania Trump as having “a glow like an expectant widow.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump demanded immediate action. “Jimmy Kimmel should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC,” he said, describing the joke as a “despicable call to violence.”
Melania Trump also criticised the comment earlier in the day, calling for ABC to act against Kimmel.
“His words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America,” she said.
She added that comedians “shouldn’t have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate.”
The remarks came days after a security incident at a Washington event where Trump and Melania were evacuated following an attack attempt at a hotel hosting officials.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also condemned Kimmel’s comments, calling them “completely deranged.”
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of ABC and its parent company Disney as they face pressure from both political and public voices.
Kimmel’s routine, delivered during a satirical segment ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, included multiple jokes about the president and his family.
