Melania Trump Criticizes Jimmy Kimmel’s ‘Pregnant Widow’ Comment
Melania Trump has called out Jimmy Kimmel for his remark referring to her as a “glowing pregnant widow,” describing his words as “hateful and violent.” The panel on “Outnumbered,” including Harris Faulkner and Emily Compagno, delves into media ethics and ABC’s backing of Kimmel, pointing to previous controversies and perceived biases in both entertainment and journalism.
Just last Thursday, Kimmel poked fun at Melania during a skit for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Remarkably, two days later, the event was overshadowed by reports of a potential assassination attempt.
On Monday, both the president and first lady took to social media to address Kimmel’s comments. “Mr. Kimmel’s rhetoric feeds division in our country. His remarks about my family aren’t comedy; rather, they are corrosive and aggravate our nation’s political issues,” Melania posted on X.
The president added his thoughts on Truth Social, noting, “Wow, Jimmy Kimmel, who hasn’t been funny for a long time, just made a shocking remark on his show.” He called for Kimmel’s immediate dismissal by Disney and ABC, stressing the importance of attention to the issue.
Kimmel’s standing as a late-night comedian suggests that he has the right to joke about those in power. However, it’s also crucial for networks to assess the nature of these jokes and their potential impact on their business.
As it stands, many feel Kimmel hasn’t been amusing since the 2015 election cycle. His recent tone comes across as bitter and hyper-partisan. Despite heavy news coverage, his viewership has dwindled. For instance, in March, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” experienced a 5% drop overall and a 13% decline among the prized 18-49 age demographic. It now ranks third in viewership, trailing behind Fox News’ “Gutfeld!” and CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Given Colbert’s show reportedly lost around $40 million annually, it’s hard to see how ABC could profit from Kimmel’s lowering numbers amid high production costs.
For context, the combined ad revenue for late-night shows on CBS, NBC, and ABC fell to $220 million in 2024, down from $439 million in 2018—a staggering 50% drop over seven years.
Discussions around firing Kimmel may be framed as a threat to free speech by his supporters, yet, fundamentally, it’s about business performance.
Kimmel, in recent times, appears to have an unusual fixation on grim humor, including jokes about violence that many find problematic. This trend adds fuel to the notion that his humor contributes to a growing political divide, often promoting a less appealing view of political discourse.
While ABC doesn’t need to become embroiled in his spats with the former president, the implications of Kimmel’s humor, especially in a politically charged atmosphere, are clear. Network executives are likely aware that the balance is tipping; Kimmel’s value may no longer justify his presence on the air.
