Jimmy Kimmel's Rise as Trump's Nemesis: A Tale of Late-Night Feuds
In a shocking turn of events, ABC pulled late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air indefinitely on Wednesday night following pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over comments he made about the suspect apprehended for killing right-wing podcaster Charlie Kirk. The move comes after a monologue Monday night in which Kimmel said, "We hit some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it."
Kimmel's suspension marks a significant escalation in the long-standing feud between the late-night host and former President Donald Trump. The tension began when Kimmel frequently targeted Trump on his show, often using humor to critique the president's policies and behavior.
Industry insiders point to Kimmel's rise as a nemesis of Trump's as a result of his willingness to tackle tough topics and challenge the status quo. "Jimmy Kimmel has always been unafraid to speak truth to power," said a source close to the show. "He's not afraid to take on the big guys, even if it means ruffling some feathers."
The feud between Kimmel and Trump has been ongoing since 2017, when Kimmel began targeting Trump's policies and behavior on his show. The tension escalated in 2020, when Kimmel frequently mocked Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kimmel's suspension comes as a surprise to many in the industry, who point out that he has always been known for pushing boundaries and challenging the FCC's guidelines. "Jimmy Kimmel is a master of walking the line between comedy and controversy," said another source. "He knows how to get under people's skin without crossing the line into outright offense."
The move by the FCC has sparked outrage among many in the entertainment industry, who see it as an attempt to silence a vocal critic of Trump's policies. "This is a clear attempt to muzzle Jimmy Kimmel and stifle free speech," said a spokesperson for the Writers Guild of America.
As the situation continues to unfold, ABC has yet to comment on when or if Kimmel will return to the air. The network has faced intense pressure from both sides of the aisle, with many calling for his reinstatement and others demanding that he be held accountable for his comments.
One thing is certain: Jimmy Kimmel's suspension marks a significant turning point in the ongoing feud between late-night hosts and the Trump administration. As one industry insider put it, "This is just the beginning of a long and contentious battle between the entertainment industry and those who seek to silence its most vocal critics."
*Reporting by Vox.*