<\/p>\n
Liberal comedian Jimmy Kimmel is facing renewed backlash after a joke about President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump aired just days before the attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents\u2019 Association Dinner. The incident has sparked criticism from political figures, media insiders, and even some Democrats.<\/p>\n
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, Fox News reported.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cOur first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow,\u201d Kimmel said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur first lady, Melania, is here
\nPresident Trump and first lady Melania Trump both issued statements calling for Kimmel\u2019s firing following the attempted attack. The White House Correspondents\u2019 Association Dinner was attended by the Trumps and several Cabinet officials at the time of the incident.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
An ABC staffer criticized the broader direction of the company while defending editorial independence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government should have zero say about who is on air,\u201d the staffer said. \u201cBut if I were the head of a media company\u2014news, sitcoms, whatever\u2014I\u2019d think long and hard about the country I wanted to mirror back to my viewers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government should have zero say about who is on air,\u201d the staffer said
\nThe staffer contrasted two different storytelling approaches when describing the network\u2019s cultural impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe \u2018Ted Lasso\u2019 model where people are fundamentally good and flawed and trying their best to build in their communities? Or the \u2018House of Cards\u2019 model where everyone is cruel, and you get ahead by not caring about anything except your team and its power,\u201d the staffer said.<\/p>\n
An entertainment lawyer representing ABC talent also criticized the company\u2019s handling of the situation.<\/p>\n
An entertainment lawyer representing ABC talent also criticized the company\u2019s handling of the situation
\n\u201cDisney has lost its way, its identification with wholesome, American values,\u201d the lawyer said.<\/p>\n
The attorney questioned what level of conduct would trigger consequences for Kimmel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat does Kimmel have to do that affects his employer\u2019s image, what would he have to say to face consequences?\u201d the lawyer said.<\/p>\n
The attorney questioned what level of conduct would trigger consequences for Kimmel
\nThe lawyer added that the situation reflects poorly on the company\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt some point, you\u2019ve got to stand up and say, this is America. Are these values the ones you want to portray?\u201d the lawyer said.<\/p>\n
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod also criticized the joke. He called the comment \u201ctasteless\u201d and said Kimmel should apologize.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt some point, you\u2019ve got to stand up and say, this is America
\nThe controversy follows a prior incident involving Kimmel that drew national attention. Last fall, he faced backlash after comments tied to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.<\/p>\n
At the time, Kimmel suggested the suspect was part of the \u201cMAGA gang,\u201d drawing sharp criticism. The remarks prompted a response from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who raised concerns about the network.<\/p>\n
Disney temporarily took Kimmel off the air following that controversy. The move sparked protests outside the company\u2019s offices in Burbank, California, and led to subscription cancellations across Disney\u2019s streaming platforms.<\/p>\n
At the time, Kimmel suggested the suspect was part of the \u201cMAGA gang,\u201d drawing sharp criticism
\nKimmel returned to air less than a week later and addressed the backlash on his program. The company had previously extended his contract through May 2027.<\/p>\n
The latest controversy now unfolds under new leadership at Disney. CEO Josh D\u2019Amaro took over in March following the departure of Bob Iger.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the attempted attack at the WHCA Dinner. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been charged in connection with the incident.<\/p>\n
The latest controversy now unfolds under new leadership at Disney
\nOfficials said Allen faces 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 he could face life in prison.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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