The controversy escalated as both Melania and Donald Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s firing over a joke made just days before a shooting incident. Kimmel made the remark during a mock roast ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He joked that Melania Trump had a “glow like an expectant widow.”
As of early Tuesday, Melania Trump called for ABC to fire Kimmel, branding his joke as hateful and violent rhetoric. President Trump echoed this sentiment, labeling Kimmel’s joke as a “despicable call to violence.” Both have faced backlash for their comments.
Kimmel defended his joke, asserting it was intended as light-hearted commentary on the age difference between him and Melania. He emphasized that he is an advocate against gun violence and did not intend to incite any harm.
The timing of the joke raises concerns. It occurred just days before an attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The alleged gunman has since been arrested.
Key reactions:
- Melania Trump stated, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country.”
- Donald Trump remarked, “This is something far beyond the pale.”
- Kimmel responded, “It was not by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination…”
Kimmel has faced criticism from the Trump administration for previous comments and jokes. Last year, he was temporarily suspended for remarks regarding a far-right influencer’s killing.
The ongoing dispute highlights tensions surrounding free speech in political discourse and late-night comedy. As calls for disciplinary action from ABC grow louder, the implications for Kimmel’s career remain uncertain.
