Comedian Jimmy Kimmel faces criticism after a joke about President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump aired days before an attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
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. “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow,” Kimmel said on air.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump both issued statements calling for Kimmel’s firing following the attempted attack. The incident has sparked criticism from political figures, media insiders, and some Democratic figures.
The Reaction
An ABC staffer defended editorial independence while criticizing the broader direction of the company. “The government should have zero say about who is on air,” the staffer said. “But if I were the head of a media company-news, sitcoms, whatever-I’d think long and hard about the country I wanted to mirror back to my viewers.”
An entertainment lawyer representing ABC talent also criticized the company’s handling of the situation. “Disney has lost its way, its identification with wholesome, American values,” the lawyer said, questioning what level of conduct would trigger consequences for Kimmel.
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod criticized the joke as “tasteless” and said Kimmel should apologize for the remark.
Prior Controversy
The current backlash follows an earlier incident involving Kimmel that drew national attention last fall. He faced criticism after comments tied to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, when Kimmel suggested the suspect was part of the “MAGA gang.”
Disney temporarily took Kimmel off the air following that controversy, which sparked protests outside the company’s offices in Burbank, California, and led to subscription cancellations. Kimmel returned less than a week later and addressed the backlash on his program.
The company had previously extended his contract through May 2027.
What This Means
The latest controversy unfolds under new leadership at Disney. CEO Josh D’Amaro took over in March following the departure of Bob Iger.
Authorities continue to investigate the attempted attack at the WHCA Dinner. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been charged with three counts, including attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm across state lines, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Prosecutors said additional charges are expected and that Allen could face life in prison.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Entertainment Team contributed to this report.
