Kimmel Faces Backlash After Trump Joke Before WHCA Shooting
Kimmel made the remark during his late-night program while imagining himself hosting the WHCA Dinner, where he delivered jokes aimed at the president and first lady, Fox News reported.
Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow,” Kimmel said.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump both issued statements calling for Kimmel’s firing following the attempted attack. The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was attended by the Trumps and several Cabinet officials at the time of the incident. An ABC staffer criticized the broader direction of the company while defending editorial independence.
“Our first lady, Melania, is here
The government should have zero say about who is on air,” the staffer said
The staffer contrasted two different storytelling approaches when describing the network’s cultural impact. “The ‘Ted Lasso’ model where people are fundamentally good and flawed and trying their best to build in their communities? Or the ‘House of Cards’ model where everyone is cruel, and you get ahead by not caring about anything except your team and its power,” the staffer said.
An entertainment lawyer representing ABC talent also criticized the company’s handling of the situation.
The staffer contrasted two different storytelling approaches when describing the network’s cultural impact
The attorney questioned what level of conduct would trigger consequences for Kimmel.
“What does Kimmel have to do that affects his employer’s image, what would he have to say to face consequences? ” the lawyer said.
Are these values the ones you want to portray?” the lawyer said
Are these values the ones you want to portray? ” the lawyer said.
“Disney has lost its way, its identification with wholesome, American values,” the lawyer said
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod also criticized the joke. He called the comment “tasteless” and said Kimmel should apologize.
Last fall, he faced backlash after comments tied to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
At the time, Kimmel suggested the suspect was part of the “MAGA gang,” drawing sharp criticism. The remarks prompted a response from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who raised concerns about the network.
The lawyer added that the situation reflects poorly on the company’s leadership
Disney temporarily took Kimmel off the air following that controversy
The move sparked protests outside the company’s offices in Burbank, California, and led to subscription cancellations across Disney’s streaming platforms.
The company had previously extended his contract through May 2027.
The latest controversy now unfolds under new leadership at Disney. CEO Josh D’Amaro took over in March following the departure of Bob Iger.
The controversy follows a prior incident involving Kimmel that drew national attention
Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the attempted attack at the WHCA Dinner. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been charged in connection with the incident.
Prosecutors said additional charges are expected and that he could face life in prison.
