Kimmel Shares Mixed Reactions Over Show’s Suspension
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel expressed gratitude towards Officer Ted Cruz, Mitch McConnell, and conservative figure Ben Shapiro for their support of Disney, which led to the indefinite suspension of his program.
Reappearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he made comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s remarks about Tyler Robinson, who incorrectly referred to him as related to the “Maga” movement.
“I realize I can’t really downplay the tragedy of a young man’s death. Honestly, I don’t think it’s a topic that should be trivialized. I shared a message on the day it happened, hoping for his family’s peace. My intention was never to hold any group accountable for the actions of one person. I think I would have reacted similarly in that situation,” Kimmel remarked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1tjh_zo_ty
He also acknowledged those at Centre Wright who backed him after FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr stated Disney had options regarding Kimmel’s situation, suggesting they could either act straightforwardly or face further FCC scrutiny.
Many conservatives quickly rallied to Kimmel’s defense, arguing that the FCC and the Trump administration posed a threat to free speech.
Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, accused Kimmel of utilizing tactics reminiscent of a “dangerous hell” mafia, suggesting there were efforts to remove his show.
“And I must say, it’s quite the scene—like a mafia member visiting a bar and warning, ‘It would be unfortunate if anything were to happen here,’” Cruz mentioned on his podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz.
Despite the pushback from Cruz and other Republicans, President Trump voiced his support for the FCC Chairman. “I believe Brendan Kerr is a great American patriot; I disagree with Ted Cruz on this,” he stated to reporters last Friday.
McConnell backed Cruz’s criticism of Carr, reiterating, “My colleague, Ted Cruz, pointed out this issue. Personally, I believe he makes a valid point. Disagreement with someone’s on-air commentary doesn’t mean the government should intervene.”
Kimmel’s stance on Trump has generated frustration among many in the Republican party.
A Republican political operative suggested, “Perhaps they should have Kimmel host the next community fundraiser.”
In a recent episode of The Town with Matt Veroni, Belloni and Lucas Shaw from Puck News discussed the significant influence of Republican critiques toward the Trump administration’s actions against Kimmel.
Trump commented via Truth Social on Tuesday, expressing disbelief that ABC continues to support Kimmel, claiming the network initially informed the White House that his show was canceled. “Why would they keep someone who is largely associated with negative Democratic content? It’s as if he’s part of the DNC. To my knowledge, this could even breach the law,” he stated.
“Let’s see how ABC responds. Last time, I dealt with them, they gave me $16 million, which seemed quite favorable.”
