Cruz Reacts to Kimmel Suspension and FCC Chairman’s Remarks

Texas Senator Ted Cruz expressed satisfaction over Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show being put on indefinite hiatus, yet he was alarmed by FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr’s threat to intervene regarding Kimmel’s comments. Cruz described Kerr’s warning as something that felt reminiscent of “Goodfellas.”

“I’ve been the target of Kimmel’s jokes so many times, I truly lost count,” Cruz remarked. “Corporate media? They play tricks; they don’t tell the truth. While I’m unhappy with what Kimmel said, I’m somewhat relieved he’s been sidelined.”

However, he cautioned that Kerr’s assertion about the FCC’s potential actions if ABC failed to address Kimmel’s insinuation regarding a violent incident related to Charlie Kirk could lead to “relief” measures taken against the network.

“No, no, no,” he reiterated.

Cruz, who heads the Senate Commerce Committee, shared his thoughts during an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. Kerr indicated that Kimmel’s remarks linking Kirk’s violent encounter to a group of individuals he labeled the “Maga Gang” were “really, really sick” and emphasized that ABC, as a holder of a broadcast license, needed to act in the public interest.

“These networks can adjust or they will face repercussions from the FCC,” Kerr warned. “It can happen easily or it could become more complicated.”

Cruz highlighted the gravity of the situation, suggesting there’s a thin line between comedic critique and government coercion. “It’s as if the government is saying, ‘We disapprove of what you’re airing. If you don’t align with our views, we’re going to pull your access to broadcast,’” he cautioned, noting this sentiment is troubling for conservatives.

Kerr’s remarks faced sharp backlash from Democrats on Capitol Hill, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York.

In related news, Disney and ABC decided to suspend Kimmel’s show indefinitely after claiming he “hit some new lows” with his comments over the weekend. Nexstar Media Group has moved to take “Jimmy Kimmel Live” off the air prior to the broadcast, and ABC has responded by filing a lawsuit regarding this suspension.

Nexstar, which owns several media outlets like News Nation and CW, expressed strong opposition to Kimmel’s recent statements on the incident involving Kirk and announced plans to replace the show with alternative programming in the market.