Jimmy Kimmel’s future as ABC’s late-night host is uncertain after a lengthy 22-year stint on the Disney-owned network. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Kimmel has faced potential removal due to controversy.
This time, the backlash originates from more conservative circles.
Kimmel’s show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, which first aired in 2003, has become the center of scrutiny following comments made by a certain figure who identifies as a supporter of MAGA.
In the past, media corporations were quick to sever ties with stars whose views clashed with liberal values. Notable examples include Roseanne Barr in 2018 and Gina Carano in 2021, as well as an ESPN commentator named Robert Lee, who was unexpectedly pulled from a University of Virginia game due to sharing a name with a Confederate general.
After the revival of the ’80s series ‘Roseanne,’ ABC dismissed Barr over tweets perceived as racist, despite the show’s successful return. The original series had concluded two decades earlier, and the reboot’s first episode attracted over 27 million viewers.
However, the network quickly altered their course after Barr made a controversial comparison involving Valerie Jarrett, which fueled outrage on social media.
Later, Barr expressed regret over her comments, stating she wished to phrase her thoughts more carefully.
On a more recent note, Barr resurfaced the topic of her firing when she tweeted at former President Obama, hinting that he had informed Bob Iger about her dismissal.
Her comment received over 3 million views.
In contrast, Kimmel’s show has been averaging under 2 million viewers, and he hasn’t issued any public apology regarding the remarks directed at Charlie Kirk’s family.
The latest on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension after Charlie Kirk’s comments
Disney also faced criticism for dismissing Gina Carano, who later took legal action against the company in 2021. Her lawsuit stemmed from social media statements in which she compared Hollywood conservatives to Holocaust victims and made posts regarding mask-wearing during the pandemic.
She sought legal measures to reinstate her role in the series or receive compensation of at least $75,000. Although Carano didn’t return to “The Mandalorian,” her case was settled out of court under undisclosed terms.
Additionally, former host Bill Maher, who preceded Kimmel in the same time slot, faced backlash for an insensitive comment made shortly after September 11, 2001. Consequently, his show was canceled after a sharp drop in advertiser support.
Maher had claimed that the terrorists were not the only ones responsible, and his remarks led to significant controversy. Although he later clarified his statements, the damage was already done, resulting in the cancellation of his show in June 2002. ABC asserted that poor ratings were the reason for the show’s end, not the surrounding controversy.
The time slot eventually transitioned to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in January 2003.
