Former President Donald Trump has lashed out at ABC for reinstating comedian Jimmy Kimmel on their television network. This decision comes shortly after the show was suspended due to a controversial monologue regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a post shared on his platform, Truth Social, Trump denounced ABC as "Fake News" and questioned the logic behind bringing the show back. "Their ratings are tanking and their 'talent' is nonexistent. Why would they want someone back who performs so poorly, isn't funny, and risks the network by airing 99% Democratic trash?" Trump wrote.
Trump further insinuated that Kimmel's program serves as "another arm of the Democratic Party" and warned that its return could be perceived as an "illegal campaign contribution." He hinted at taking legal action against ABC, stating, "The last time I went up against them, I walked away with $16 million. This one seems even more profitable."
The revival of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on ABC's screen follows almost a week-long suspension. This hiatus occurred amidst protests at Disney's offices in New York and California, and a public letter signed by over 400 celebrities in support of the host. Disney, which owns ABC, described the suspension as "temporary," aiming to "de-escalate the situation during a sensitive time for the country."
Despite this, not all ABC affiliates resumed the broadcast. The Sinclair Broadcasting Group, which operates numerous local channels, chose to replace the show with news programming, while Nexstar has yet to confirm its plans regarding the broadcast.
The suspension originated on September 17th, following Kimmel's suggestion that Kirk's alleged killer was a Republican and a Trump supporter. This comment incited outrage from Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a Trump ally. Carr labeled the remarks as "the sickest behavior possible" and threatened to review the licenses of ABC's affiliates.
The show's return has rekindled discussions regarding the boundaries of political satire on network television and the impact of political pressure on media outlets. While Kimmel addressed the controversy in his monologue, he has not made any public statements, and Trump is poised to escalate the confrontation into a legal battle.
Trump's Legal Battle with ABC and Media Controversy
Why did Donald Trump criticize ABC for Jimmy Kimmel's return?
Trump criticized ABC for reinstating Jimmy Kimmel's show, arguing that it promotes Democratic views and lacks talent, thus risking the network's reputation.
What was the reason behind the suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'?
The show was suspended following a controversial monologue by Kimmel about the alleged murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking political outrage.
How did Disney justify the temporary suspension of the show?
Disney stated that the suspension was a temporary measure intended to prevent further escalation during a sensitive period for the nation.
What legal action does Trump plan to take against ABC?
Trump hinted at pursuing legal action against ABC, suggesting that the show's return could be seen as an illegal campaign contribution and recalling a past legal victory against them.